Thread by @MesoSpim

We are excited to share the mesoSPIM, a versatile open-source light-sheet microscope for imaging in cleared tissue. #mesoSPIM @openSPIM #lightsheet
Check out our webpage: mesospim.org

https://twitter.com/biorxiv_neursci/status/1107786800666472448

The mesoSPIM is compatible with all clearing techniques and was tested with
active and passive CLARITY, CUBIC, BABB, iDISCO and MASH.

The key mesoSPIM feature is axially scanned light-sheet microscopy (ASLM) introduced by @RetoPaul and @kD3AN which allows uniform axial resolution across large FOVs. To translate the light-sheet, we are using tunable lenses from
@optotunecompany

With ASLM, a cleared whole mouse brain can be scanned at isotropic 6.5 µm sampling within 5-8 minutes.

ASLM also allows imaging with uniform axial resolution at higher zoom: Here is
an example of the cortex of a Thy1-YFP brain - without ASLM, axons are basically invisible in the XZ view at the edges of the FOV.

Apart from uniform axial resolution, a mesoSPIM has modular sample holders
that allow sample exchange within seconds.

To accomodate large samples such as a whole cleared mouse CNS, the current
generation of mesoSPIM setups has 52 x 52 x 102 mm travel range.

As the mesoSPIM uses sample mounting from above as in a "classical" SPIM,
multiview imaging is easy.

To test whether the mesoSPIM is compatible with iDISCO samples, we
teamed up with @nicolasrenier who provided us with this mouse brain with vasculature staining.

To try imaging human brain samples with the mesoSPIM, we teamed up with Alard Roebroeck's group ( cbclab.org ) to try MASH biorxiv.org/content/10.110… samples.

The mesoSPIM initative is an open hardware project, parts lists and drawings for setting up a mesoSPIM can be found here: github.com/mesoSPIM/mesoS…
The mesoSPIM wiki contains instructions to set up your own mesoSPIM:
github.com/mesoSPIM/mesoS…

Currently, five mesoSPIM setups are in operation: 2x @UZH_en, 1x @Unispital_USZ, 1x @Wysscenter ( wysscenter.ch/alice/ ) and the youngest at @SWC_Neuro mesospim.org/setups/

Some of the mesoSPIM setups, for example @Wysscenter wysscenter.ch/alice/ and at ZMB @UZH_en zmb.uzh.ch/en.html are part of imaging facilities and open for all users.

All the supplementary videos of the mesoSPIM preprint videos can be found (in higher resolution) on our Youtube channel #mesoSPIM
youtube.com/channel/UCeZqI…