Present Application and Perspectives of Organoid Imaging Technology

Abstract

An organoid is a miniaturized and simplified in vitro model with a similar structure and function to a real organ. In recent years, the use of organoids has increased explosively in the field of growth and development, disease simulation, drug screening, cell therapy, etc. In order to obtain necessary information, such as morphological structure, cell function and dynamic signals, it is necessary and important to directly monitor the culture process of organoids. Among different detection technologies, imaging technology is a simple and convenient choice and can realize direct observation and quantitative research. In this review, the principle, advantages and disadvantages of imaging technologies that have been applied in organoids research are introduced. We also offer an overview of prospective technologies for organoid imaging. This review aims to help biologists find appropriate imaging techniques for different areas of organoid research, and also contribute to the development of organoid imaging systems.

Light and electron microscopy continuum-resolution imaging of 3D cell cultures

“… 67 , 68 This problem might be enhanced by limited diffusion of dyes within a compact, tight-junction sealed epithelium. Loss of fluorescence signal is particularly severe for structures with dense cell packing like spheroids and parts of colon organoids, 69 , 70 further exemplified by our observation that the fluorescence signal exhibits a gradient from the core of such organoids ( Figures 3 C and 7 A).…”

Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of Animal Experiments in Anticancer Drug Development: The Contribution of 3D In Vitro Cancer Models in the Drug Efficacy Assessment

“…Super-resolution microscopy provides detailed images of cancer cells and their microenvironment. Additionally, other imaging-based methods, such as automated imaging, label-free biosensors, and imaging mass cytometry, can provide insights into different aspects of cancer biology and drug activity [ 160 ].…”

Label-free photothermal optical coherence microscopy to locate desired regions of interest in multiphoton imaging of volumetric specimens

“…To achieve this, research is currently being conducted on 3D printing and organoid-based self-organization methods 54 , 55 . For the long-term live imaging and multiscale analysis of the large-scale specimens, nonlinear microscopy capable of deep tissue imaging and label-free imaging is becoming increasingly important 56 , 57 . When conducting nonlinear microscopy, care must be taken to avoid photodamage.…”