2008 February 8 | Bo Huang, Wenqin Wang, Mark Bates, Xiaowei Zhuang
The authors demonstrate a three-dimensional (3D) super-resolution imaging technique using stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). By employing optical astigmatism, they achieve nanometer-accurate localization of individual fluorophores in both the lateral and axial dimensions. This method, which does not require scanning the sample, resolves cellular structures with lateral resolutions of 20-30 nm and axial resolutions of 50-60 nm. The technique is validated through imaging of model beads and cellular structures such as microtubules and clathrin-coated pits, showing significant improvements in resolution compared to conventional fluorescence microscopy.The authors demonstrate a three-dimensional (3D) super-resolution imaging technique using stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). By employing optical astigmatism, they achieve nanometer-accurate localization of individual fluorophores in both the lateral and axial dimensions. This method, which does not require scanning the sample, resolves cellular structures with lateral resolutions of 20-30 nm and axial resolutions of 50-60 nm. The technique is validated through imaging of model beads and cellular structures such as microtubules and clathrin-coated pits, showing significant improvements in resolution compared to conventional fluorescence microscopy.