3D single-particle tracking (SPT) has been a pivotal tool to furthering our understanding of dynamic cellular processes in complex biological systems, with a molecular localization accuracy (10-100 nm) often better than the diffraction limit of light. However, current SPT techniques utilize either CCDs or a confocal detection scheme which not only suffer from poor temporal resolution but also limit tracking to a depth less than one scattering mean free path in the sample (typically <15μm). In this report we highlight our novel design for a spatiotemporally multiplexed two-photon microscope which is able to reach sub-diffraction-limit tracking accuracy and sub-millisecond temporal resolution, but with a dramatically extended SPT range of up to 200 μm through dense cell samples. We have validated our microscope by tracking (1) fluorescent nanoparticles in a prescribed motion inside gelatin gel (with 1% intralipid) and (2) labeled single EGFR complexes inside skin cancer spheroids (at least 8 layers of cells thick) for ~10 minutes. Furthermore we discuss future capabilities of our multiplexed two-photon microscope design, specifically to the extension of (1) simultaneous multicolor tracking (i.e. spatiotemporal co-localization analysis) and (2) FRET studies (i.e. lifetime analysis). The high resolution, high depth penetration, and multicolor features of this microscope make it well poised to study a variety of molecular scale dynamics in the cell, especially related to cellular trafficking studies with in vitro tumor models and in vivo.
Three dimensional single-molecule tracking (3D-SMT) has revolutionized the way we study fundamental cellular processes. By analyzing the spatial trajectories of individual molecules (e.g. a receptor or a signaling molecule) in 3D space, one can discern the internalization or transport dynamics of these molecules, study the heterogeneity of subcellular structures, and elucidate the complex spatiotemporal regulation mechanisms. Sub-diffraction localization precision, sub-millisecond temporal resolution and tens-of-seconds observation period are the benchmarks of current 3D-SMT techniques. We have recently built two molecular tracking systems in our labs. The first system is a previously reported confocal tracking system, which we denote as the 1P-1E-4D (one-photon excitation, one excitation beam, and four fiber-coupled detectors) system. The second system is a whole new design that is based on two-photon excitation, which we denote as the 2P-4E-1D (two-photon excitation, four excitation beams, and only one detector) system. Here we compare these two systems based on Monte Carlo simulation of tracking a diffusing fluorescent molecule. Through our simulation, we have characterized the limitation of individual systems and optimized the system parameters such as magnification, z-plane separation, and feedback gains.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.