About the Mesolens
Features and benefits of the Mesolens in biomedicine
The Mesolens makes possible 3D microscopy with larger specimens than can be imaged with a standard microscope. This allows us to see individual cells in situ, without losing the landmarks at the level of organs, blood vessels or other larger structures. This will help to answer questions such as ‘Are cell certain cells missing when embryonic development is abnormal?’, and ‘Is the cytological structure in the periphery of a metastatic tumour present all around the tumour, or at just a few points that happen to be detected in the tiny field of a normal microscope image?’.
High-resolution images of thin biomedical specimens such as a cell monolayer or tissue section can be obtained using the Mesolens in camera mode. We can record a full-frame brightfield, darkfield or wide-field fluorescence image using a high pixel number (240 MP effective) camera at a rate of around 0.2 Hz, with an increase in speed possible using region of interest recording. A single camera image at the highest resolution has a file size of around 0.5 GB, which can be easily opened and analysed with a standard computer and existing image analysis software.
The ability to record a massively increased amount of data, from a volume at least 100 greater than a convention microscope means that data can be collected using the existing Mesolens systems, archived and then analysed anywhere in the world at any time, post-acquisition. An obvious biomedical advantage is that automatic diagnosis algorithms can then be tested at leisure on the same specimen data.
With unusual combination of large volume of capture with sub-cellular resolution the Mesolens offers the possibility to detect the occurrence of rare events. This includes very sparsely-distributed dividing cells in relatively quiescent tissues. It could show whether an abnormal mitotic index was present, indicating, perhaps, a proliferative tumour.
With unusual combination of large volume of capture with sub-cellular resolution the Mesolens offers the possibility to detect the occurrence of rare events. This includes very sparsely-distributed dividing cells in relatively quiescent tissues. It could show whether an abnormal mitotic index was present, indicating, perhaps, a proliferative tumour.
The Mesolens has a high collection efficiency compared to standard low magnification objective lenses. This makes possible low-light imaging, including the detection of very faint fluorescence emissions. This makes it possible to reduce the optical radiation dose to the specimen during examination. We hesitate to claim no photo-bleaching, but so far we have been unable to photo-bleach any specimen we have studied. If photo-bleaching of fluorescence is a problem in your imaging application we would be delighted to discuss how the Mesolens may be able to help.
We also know from preliminary studies that the Mesolens can show the movement of bioluminescent tumour cells in time-lapse imaging mode. This could provide an understanding of the biology of different types of tumour and rates of metastasis.
We also know from preliminary studies that the Mesolens can show the movement of bioluminescent tumour cells in time-lapse imaging mode. This could provide an understanding of the biology of different types of tumour and rates of metastasis.
The Mesolens can be used to image existing specimens, because no specific fluorophores or biomarkers are required. Any specimen that can be mounted under a type 1.5 coverslip is suitable for imaging with the Mesolens. We have designed simple imaging chambers for imaging thicker specimens, and we make these available for visiting researchers to use with their specimens. The Mesolens is a multi-immersion lens which is designed for water, Type DF oil and glycerol immersion. We can also obtain a lower-resolution image in air, which can be helpful for alignment or a quick specimen check. As well as water, Type DF oil, glycerol and BABB, standard specimen mountants including Vectashield and Histomount are fully compatible with the Mesolens.
A complete Mesolens image sampled at Nyquist resolution over the 6 mm x 6 mm x 3 mm volume generates a 639 GB digital image. This is large, but the capacity and speed of current computers can readily handle data files of this size.
