Turn Your Inverted Microscope into a Multimodal Nanoscope

Technical Solution

Abbelight’s technology enables any microscopist to easily access SMLM. The SAFe add-on modules range from the SAFe 180 (ideal for beginners), to the SAFe 360 (a multimodal imaging platform for advanced users), to the more recent SAFe RedSTORM (an innovative solution for multicolor spectral far-red demixing).

Figure 2: Illustration of the SAFe 360 on an Olympus IX83 inverted microscope (*left*) and the SAFe module family (*right*).

The modules all share the same unique excitation system, which is based on Adaptable Scanning for Tunable Excitation Regions (ASTER) technology.¹ ASTER generates homogenous illumination in TIRF, HiLo, and Epi modes while performing SMLM modalities, such as PALM, STORM, or PAINT with a localization precision reaching 10–15 nm in 3D, on a FOV of 150 × 150 µm².

	Excitation	FOV (obj. 100x)	Localization precision	3D localization	Multi-color imaging	Spectral Demixing (SD)	SPT PALM
SAFe 180	EPI, HiLo, TIRF	150 x 150 µm² Homogeneous	< 15 nm	YES	Seq.	NO	YES
SAFe RedSTORM	EPI, HiLo, TIRF	150 x 150 µm² Homogeneous	< 15 nm	YES	Sim.	YES	NO
SAFe 360	EPI, HiLo, TIRF	150 x 150 µm² Homogeneous	< 15 nm	YES	Seq. / Sim.	YES	YES

ASTER Technology¹ (Patent Pending):

The ASTER illumination method is novel in its capability to exploit the entire FOV of sCMOS cameras for SMLM and TIRF imaging.

ASTER makes use of two galvanometer mirrors to control illumination at the sample plane. While the excitation beam keeps its position in the back focal plane (BFP), an angular rotation of a galvanometer induces a similar angle in the BFP, corresponding to a different position in the sample plane.

By applying specific patterns, such as raster scanning, ASTER can provide uniform excitation on tunable FOVs of up to 150 × 150 µm² for all excitation modes (EPI, HiLo, and TIRF).

ASTER provides the flexibility that scientists seek, enabling them to adapt to various sample sizes and conditions. A prime example is when fluorescence density in SMLM is high or for particle tracking, the excitation area can be reduced to increase the irradiance or the acquisition speed up to 500 fps.

Figure 3: Schematic of ASTER and resulting illumination patterns.

Multicolor Imaging by Spectral Far-Red Demixing

Although 3D nanoscopy has revolutionized the field of fluorescence microscopy by attaining unprecedented resolutions, multicolor imaging remains challenging in SMLM. This difficulty is due to several factors, including chromatic aberrations, the choice of optimal buffers, and the choice of single-molecule-compatible dyes.

To provide a solution, Abbelight has recently implemented spectral demixing for SMLM. By separating far-red dyes using a combination of the appropriate dichroic cube and ratiometric algorithms, this technique elegantly enables simultaneous multicolor imaging in SMLM. This advanced capability opens new avenues for researchers willing to push the boundaries of fluorescence nanoscopy. Spectral demixing is integrated in Abbelight’s dedicated instrument SAFe RedSTORM and SAFe 360 module.

In practical terms, it enables users to easily image in multicolor with one buffer, one laser, and one live acquisition.

Figure 4: Spectral far-red demixing approach for simultaneous multicolor STORM imaging.

Powerful Software for SMLM Data Analysis

Unlike standard fluorescence microscopy, which generates pixel-based images, SMLM produces 2D/3D point clouds with millions of localizations and associated uncertainties. Thus, new computational methods are required for the quantification and interpretation of SMLM data to enable researchers to extract novel and groundbreaking biosignatures of biological structures and functions.

Abbelight’s NEO software offers powerful tools to study spatial and temporal distribution of localized single molecules, such as cluster analysis and single-particle tracking algorithms. Designed to be user-friendly and complete, NEO software simplifies data acquisition, provides real-time image reconstruction and quantitative feedback, and supports high-quality data and optimal SMLM data analysis.

Figure 5: Quantitative tools included in NEO software.

Personalized Support

Abbelight provides a unique scientific support with SMLM expert scientists involved in multidisciplinary research, education, and international training. A dedicated expert is assigned to support the user in each step of SMLM projects: sample preparation, imaging, and data analysis. Users save time, acquire expertise, and have access to online tools on the Abbelight Academy (user guides, video tutorials, best practices, etc.).

A good experiment starts with good sample preparation, so ready-to-use and optimized SMLM kits are also available:

Smart kit dedicated buffer for STORM imaging
Blinking pad kit for non-adhesive cells for photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM) and STORM imaging

Collaboration of Innovators

Olympus and Abbelight recently joined forces to provide researchers with advanced and intuitive nanoscopy imaging systems. Abbelight’s vast expertise in SMLM and Olympus’ rich history in optical precision are the foundation of this collaboration. The SAFe modules can easily be incorporated into Olympus’ IX™ series microscopes to unlock the potential for SMLM microscopy. Olympus’ IX83 microscope is particularly well suited for nanoscopy applications due to its stable frame design, TruFocus™ Z-drift compensation system, and open structure, which facilitates multimodal operation. SAFe instruments have been successfully combined with Olympus’ FV3000 confocal laser scanning microscope as well as the IXplore™ SpinSR spinning disk system, enabling researchers to maximize their imaging capabilities with confocal, live cell super resolution, and SMLM in one system. Combined with Olympus’ industry-leading TIRF objectives, this collaboration delivers powerful and flexible nanoscopy imaging solutions.

For more information, contact your local Olympus sales representative at www.olympus-lifescience.com/en/contact-us/.

References

[1] A. Mau, K. Friedl, C. Leterrier, N. Bourg, and S. Lévêque-Fort. Fast scanned widefield scheme provides tunable and uniform illumination for optimized SMLM on large fields of view. Nature Communication. May 21, 2020.