Search

We have developed a novel optical method for observing submicron intracellular structures in living cells which is called confocal light absorption and scattering spectroscopic (CLASS) microscopy. It combines confocal microscopy, a well-established high-resolution microscopic technique, with light scattering spectroscopy (LSS). CLASS microscopy requires no exogenous labels and is capable of imaging and continuously monitoring individual viable cells, enabling the observation of cell and organelle functioning at scales on the order of 100 nm. In addition, it provides not only size information but also information about the biochemical and physical properties of the cell.

We recently developed a novel optical method for observing submicron intracellular structures in living cells which is called confocal light absorption and scattering spectroscopic (CLASS) microscopy. It combines confocal microscopy, a well-established high-resolution microscopic technique, with light scattering spectroscopy (LSS). CLASS microscopy requires no exogenous labels and is capable of imaging and continuously monitoring individual viable cells, enabling the observation of cell and organelle functioning at scales on the order of 100 nm with 10 nm accuracy. To demonstrate the ability of the CLASS microscope to monitor unstained living cells on submicrometer scale we studied human bronchial epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis. Fluorescence microscopy of living cells requires application of molecular markers which can affect normal cell functioning. CLASS microscopy is not affected by this avoiding potential interference of fluorescence molecular markers with cell processes. In addition, it provides not only size information but also information about the biochemical and physical properties of the cell. CLASS microscopy can provide unique capabilities for the study of cell interactions with the environment, cell reproduction and growth and other functions of viable cells, which are inaccessible by other techniques.