The power of super-resolution microscopy in modern biomedical science

Molecular probes for super-resolution imaging of drug dynamics

Super-resolution molecular probes (SRMPs) are essential tools for visualizing drug dynamics within cells, transcending the resolution limits of conventional microscopy. In this review, we provide an overview of the principles and design strategies of SRMPs, emphasizing their role in accurately tracking drug molecules. By illuminating the intricate processes of drug distribution, diffusion, uptake, and metabolism at a subcellular and molecular level, SRMPs offer crucial insights into therapeutic interventions. Additionally, we explore the practical applications of super-resolution imaging in disease treatment, highlighting the significance of SRMPs in advancing our understanding of drug action. Finally, we discuss future perspectives, envisioning potential advancements and innovations in this field. Overall, this review serves to inform and practitioners about the utility of SRMPs in driving innovation and progress in pharmacology, providing valuable insights for drug development and optimization.

Super-resolution techniques for biomedical applications and challenges

Super-resolution (SR) techniques have revolutionized the field of biomedical applications by detailing the structures at resolutions beyond the limits of imaging or measuring tools. These techniques have been applied in various biomedical applications, including microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), X-ray, electroencephalogram (EEG), ultrasound, etc. SR methods are categorized into two main types: traditional non-learning-based methods and modern learning-based approaches. In both applications, SR methodologies have been effectively utilized on biomedical images, enhancing the visualization of complex biological structures. Additionally, these methods have been employed on biomedical data, leading to improvements in computational precision and efficiency for biomedical simulations. The use of SR techniques has resulted in more detailed and accurate analyses in diagnostics and research, essential for early disease detection and treatment planning. However, challenges such as computational demands, data interpretation complexities, and the lack of unified high-quality data persist. The article emphasizes these issues, underscoring the need for ongoing development in SR technologies to further improve biomedical research and patient care outcomes.

Tensor Ring Based Image Enhancement

Background

Image enhancement, including image de-noising, super-resolution, registration, reconstruction, in-painting, and so on, is an important issue in different research areas. Different methods which have been exploited for image analysis were mostly based on matrix or low order analysis. However, recent researches show the superior power of tensor-based methods for image enhancement.

Method

In this article, a new method for image super-resolution using Tensor Ring decomposition has been proposed. The proposed image super-resolution technique has been derived for the super-resolution of low resolution and noisy images. The new approach is based on a modification and extension of previous tensor-based approaches used for super-resolution of datasets. In this method, a weighted combination of the original and the resulting image of the previous stage has been computed and used to provide a new input to the algorithm.

Result

This enables the method to do the super-resolution and de-noising simultaneously.

Conclusion

Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, especially in highly noisy situations.

Exploring the future of regenerative medicine: Unveiling the potential of optical microscopy for structural and functional imaging of stem cells

Regenerative medicine, which utilizes stem cells for tissue and organ repair, holds immense promise in healthcare. A comprehensive understanding of stem cell characteristics is crucial to unlock their potential. This study explores the pivotal role of optical microscopy in advancing regenerative medicine as a potent tool for stem cell research. Advanced optical microscopy techniques enable an in-depth examination of stem cell behavior, morphology, and functionality. The review encompasses current optical microscopy, elucidating its capabilities and constraints in stem cell imaging, while also shedding light on emerging technologies for improved stem cell visualization. Optical microscopy, complemented by techniques like fluorescence and multiphoton imaging, enhances our comprehension of stem cell dynamics. The introduction of label-free imaging facilitates noninvasive, real-time stem cell monitoring without external dyes or markers. By pushing the boundaries of optical microscopy, researchers reveal the intricate cellular mechanisms underpinning regenerative processes, thereby advancing more effective therapeutic strategies. The current study not only outlines the future of regenerative medicine but also underscores the pivotal role of optical microscopy in both structural and functional stem cell imaging.

Expansion Microscopy of trichomonads

Light microscopy has significantly advanced in recent decades, especially concerning the increased resolution obtained in fluorescence images. Here we present the Expansion Microscopy (ExM) technique in two parasites, Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus, which significantly improved the localization of distinct proteins closely associated with cytoskeleton by immunofluorescence microscopy. The ExM techniques have been used in various cell types, tissues and other protist parasites. It requires the embedment of the samples in a swellable gel that is highly hydrophilic. As a result, cells are expanded 4.5 times in an isotropic manner, offering a spatial resolution of ∼70 nm. We used this new methodology not only to observe the structural organization of protozoa in more detail but also to increase the resolution by immunofluorescence microscopy of two major proteins such as tubulin, found in structures formed by microtubules, and costain 1, the only protein identified until now in the T. foetus's costa, a unique rod-shaped like structure. The individualized microtubules of the axostyle were seen for the first time in fluorescence microscopy and several other details are presented after this technique.