Scanning Laser Optical Tomography: A highly efficient volumetric imaging technique for mesoscopic specimens

摘要

Imaging of biological samples necessitates high requirements on multi modal 3D imaging techniques. Lately, the range of application fields has extended from transparent biological samples up to biological compartments on intransparent objects. We introduce SLOT as an innovative and highly efficient tool for multi modal visualization by intrinsic and extrinsic contrast mechanisms in biological model organisms with sizes up to several millimeters. One aim is the exploration of SLOTs capability to image organs of biological model organisms. Therefore, intrinsic contrast mechanisms were addressed regarding their ability for visualizing and quantitating structural details within the murine lung. Additionally we present SLOT as a valuable tool for the in vitro structural and volumetric large scale investigation of biofilm formation on implants with sizes up to several millimeters.