Reshaping South American Research: Core Imaging Facilities and Light-Sheet Microscopy

Historically, access to advanced research tools has been limited in South America, posing challenges for scientists seeking to conduct cutting-edge investigations. However, recent developments are transforming this landscape, offering researchers unprecedented opportunities to explore complex scientific questions. The establishment of core imaging facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as light-sheet microscopy, is driving a new era of discovery. These facilities enhance local research capabilities and foster collaboration across the continent. Scientists can now leverage sophisticated imaging techniques without extensive travel or resource expenditure. As these tools become more accessible, South American researchers are poised to contribute significantly to global scientific advancements.

The ZEISS Lightsheet 7 microscope system expands imaging possibilities beyond the limitations of existing technologies in the region, Vargas explains. While widefield and confocal microscopy are prevalent, they are shifting perspectives by demonstrating how light-sheet microscopy can improve research outcomes and the impact of publications across various model systems.

Researchers are often amazed when they see entire organs imaged in 3D (rather than individual slices), acquired at remarkable speeds compared to confocal microscopy. Others are impressed by the dramatic improvement in image quality when combining clearing protocols with the optical sectioning capabilities of light-sheet illumination. In physiology, the ability to image live samples for extended periods without phototoxicity has enabled labs to explore entirely new experimental approaches for both current and future projects.

ZEISS Lightsheet 7 represents a significant achievement in Chile by making advanced optics technology accessible. Automation and software-assisted alignment of optical components improve the pre-imaging setup, ensuring image quality without complexity. The overall microscope experience is enhanced.

The team has successfully performed large-scale tiling acquisitions of fixed samples and multi-hour time-lapse imaging without stability issues or sample damage.

Initially, sharing experiences and solutions was challenging due to the equipment's uniqueness in the region. Vargas emphasizes that technical guidance from ZEISS through Microx-Chile has been crucial for consistent operation. ZEISS ensures system reliability, though high replacement costs and shipping expenses remain challenges, he says.

Collaborative networks with other centers using the same equipment now allow for experience sharing.

LiSIUM-Chile's international activities have put light-sheet microscopy on the map in South America. Open access to this technology overcomes economic and geographical barriers. Free workshops and remote access allow researchers to use the equipment regardless of distance. Collaborations with initiatives like Latin American Bioimaging (LABI) and Bioimaging North America (BINA), have built a strong support network, enabling researchers from various countries to access this technology. Any researcher in Chile or across the continent can send their samples to the microscopy unit and operate the equipment in real time via a remote connection from their location.

Participation in the international EMBO Developmental Biology course, held biennially, showcased LiSIUM’s expertise in light-sheet microscopy. Support from ZEISS, including a Lightsheet 7 demo system, enabled attendees to explore this technology for their research.