Microscopy with ultraviolet surface excitation (MUSE) enables translation of optical biopsy principles to enhance life science education

摘要

The translation of microscopy with ultraviolet surface excitation (MUSE) into a high school science classroom isinvestigated with the goal of providing a suitable new modality to enhance life science education. A key part of thiseffort is the development of laboratory exercises that can integrate the advanced capabilities of MUSE into a classroomsetting. MUSE utilizes the unique property of ultraviolet light at wavelengths between 250 and 285 nm to propagateabout 10 μm into tissues, thus illuminating only the top cell layer. This illumination is provided by a low-power UVLED source, which enables one to cost-efficiently implement this method into the educational environment. MUSE ineducation can eliminate the need for premade microscope slides and provide a far more engaging and rewardingexperience for students.