MIT Develops Cost-Effective Single-Step Nanoscale Imaging Technique

A new method allows conventional microscopes to achieve 20-nanometer resolution by expanding tissue 20-fold in one step.

The technique, called 20ExM, enables nanoscale imaging using standard light microscopes, making it accessible to more biology labs.
By expanding tissue 20-fold, researchers can achieve a resolution of about 20 nanometers, allowing detailed visualization of cellular structures.
The method uses a novel gel composed of DMAA and sodium acrylate, which spontaneously forms strong crosslinks for robust expansion.
This approach simplifies previous multi-step expansion processes, reducing complexity and costs associated with high-resolution imaging.
Potential applications include imaging of brain cell structures, cancer cells, and cell surface carbohydrates, enhancing biological research capabilities.