With the help of new mid-infrared nanoscopy, the chemical images captured of the interior of bacteria are 30 times sharper compared to those obtained using conventional mid-infrared microscopes.
Enhanced clarity in viewing samples at a smaller scale offers valuable support across various research domains, such as the study of infectious diseases, while also paving the path for the advancement of increasingly precise mid-infrared-based imaging technologies in the future.
| Date | April 17, 2024 |
| Source | University of Tokyo |
| Summary | A team has developed an enhanced mid-infrared microscope, facilitating the observation of internal structures within living bacteria at the nanometer scale. This new mid-infrared nanoscopy generated images at a resolution of 120 nanometers, marking a thirtyfold enhancement compared to the resolution typically achieved by conventional mid-infrared microscopes, according to the researchers. |
If you want to read recent biology news then read here: Cell Membrane Damage Promotes Cellular Senescence.
What is Mid-Infrared Nanoscopy:
- Mid-infrared nanoscopy, a cutting-edge imaging technique, enables scientists to visualize objects and structures at the nanometer scale, far beyond the limits of conventional optical microscopy.
- This breakthrough technology relies on the unique properties of mid-infrared light, which penetrates deeper into samples and interacts with molecular vibrations, providing rich biochemical information.
- One of the key advantages of mid-infrared nanoscopy is its exceptional spatial resolution. By leveraging advanced techniques such as synthetic aperture and apertureless scanning, researchers can achieve resolutions on the order of tens of nanometers, revealing details that were previously invisible.
See The Structure of Mid-Infrared Microscope Here
Research News:
| Experiment | Observation | Conclusion |
| 1. The team employed a method called “synthetic aperture,” which involves merging multiple images captured from different illuminated angles to produce a clearer composite image. 2. Typically, a sample is positioned between two lenses, yet these lenses inadvertently absorb some of the mid-infrared light. 3. To address this challenge, the researchers positioned the sample, consisting of bacteria (E. coli and Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 in this case), on a silicon plate capable of reflecting visible light while transmitting infrared light. 4. This approach permitted the use of a single lens, enhancing the illumination of the sample with mid-infrared light and resulting in a more detailed image. | Researchers observe the intracellular structures of bacteria with a remarkable clarity. | The researchers achieved a spatial resolution of 120 nanometers, equivalent to 0.12 microns. This remarkable level of resolution represents an approximate thirtyfold improvement compared to conventional mid-infrared microscopy. |
Comparison of Mid-Infrared Nanoscopy with Other Microscopes:
| Fluorescent Microscopes | Electron Microscopes | Mid-Infrared Microscopes |
| Super-resolution fluorescent microscopes necessitate the labeling of specimens with fluorescence, a process that can occasionally pose toxicity risks to samples. Prolonged light exposure during observation can also result in sample bleaching, rendering them unusable. | Similarly, electron microscopes offer exceptional detail; however, samples must be placed in a vacuum, prohibiting the study of live samples. | In contrast, mid-infrared microscopy offers the advantage of providing both chemical and structural insights into live cells without the need for staining or causing damage to them. Yet, its application in biological research has been constrained due to its relatively limited resolution capacity. |
Professor Takuro Ideguchi from the Institute for Photon Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo said that we are confident in our ability to further enhance the technique of mid-infrared nanoscopy in multiple aspects. By employing superior lenses and shorter wavelengths of visible light, we anticipate achieving spatial resolutions below 100 nanometers. With enhanced clarity, our aim is to investigate a diverse range of cell samples, addressing both fundamental and applied biomedical challenges.
If you want to read more such biology news like green-to-red transformation of Euglena gracilis then read these news: How Jellyfish Can Remember Everything Without The Central Brain, Now Paralysis Can Be Recovered By The Grace Of New Research, Why The Spread of Viruses is Increasing Now.