Second harmonic generation microscopy: a powerful tool for bio-imaging

Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy is an important optical imaging technique in a variety of applications. This article describes the history and physical principles of SHG microscopy and its more advanced variants, as well as their strengths and weaknesses in biomedical applications. It also provides an overview of SHG and advanced SHG imaging in neuroscience and microtubule imaging and how these methods can aid in understanding microtubule formation, structuration, and involvement in neuronal function. Finally, we offer a perspective on the future of these methods and how technological advancements can help make SHG microscopy a more widely adopted imaging technique.

Automated summary

This article introduces the importance of Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy in various applications, describing its history, physical principles, and strengths and weaknesses in biomedical applications. It also provides an overview of SHG and advanced SHG imaging in neuroscience and microtubule imaging, discussing how these methods aid in understanding microtubule formation, structuration, and involvement in neuronal function. Finally, the article offers a perspective on the future of these methods and how technological advancements can make SHG microscopy a more widely adopted imaging technique.