General questions

Who is the mesoSPIM project for?

  • You are looking for a versatile imaging platform for cleared tissue that can be tailored to your needs.
  • Research groups and imaging facilities with experience in building and supporting custom microscopes.

What are ideal imaging applications for a mesoSPIM?

  • Screening of large numbers of samples for clearing & labeling quality.
  • Visualization of sparse cell populations or other structures (blood vessels, plaques) in whole cleared organs.

What are the mesoSPIM instruments less well suited for?

  • Imaging live samples (this is currently the domain of other light-sheet microscopes such as Zeiss Z.1)
  • High-resolution imaging (less than 1 μm optical resolution).

How does the mesoSPIM compare to the openSPIM?

The openSPIM is most successful as an educational tool to train microscopists in how to set up and operate a light-sheet microscope. The mesoSPIM initiative is intended to provide the imaging community with facility-grade light-sheet setups for imaging large cleared tissues.

Does the mesoSPIM initiative sell microscopes?

No, we do not sell microscopes. Instead, we provide instructions and documentation for you to build your own setup.

Where can I find a mesoSPIM to test my samples?

Please have a look in the list of operating mesoSPIM instruments. Many of the labs and facilities operating a mesoSPIM are open to interested users.

What is the difference between mesoSPIM versions?

Benchtop mesoSPIM is more compact, has larger FOV, better resolution, and lower cost than other existing mesoSPIM versions.

Version 6 is an upgrade of versions 5 and 4, inpired by Benchtop design, with larger FOV, five Plan Apo objectives (2x-20x, Mitutoyo), and a motorized objective turret.

Version 5 differs from version 4 in a different set of stages to avoid a problem with stage roll / wobble. Compared to the 44.5 x 44.5 x 100 mm travel range of version 4, version 5 has a slightly larger range (52 x 52 x 102 mm). An overview of mesoSPIM versions can be found here.

Budget and installation

How much does a mesoSPIM cost?

Depending on the configuration, a Benchtop mesoSPIM costs between 100,000 to 125,000 USD, while a mesoSPIM Version 5 costs between 169,600 to 239,600 USD (Swiss prices converted to USD at a 1:1 exchange ratio).

Why does it cost so much?

The mesoSPIM setups are intended (and used) as a multiuser-instrument for laboratories supporting many imaging projects. As such, even the most basic realized mesoSPIM has at least 4 laser lines with high power (>50-150 mW for each line). The high laser power is required to properly illuminate the wide (>20 mm) light-sheet which leads to the laser engines being the most expensive part of the instrument. The stages that move sample must be very stable and precise, especially along Z (detection) axis, which adds to the cost. The cameras must have a large sensor size to capture the wide field of view.

Is it possible to build it for less?

Yes, by using only a single excitation wavelength and a single illumination arm, or using lasers that you already have in the lab. If multiple laser wavelengths are required, building a custom laser combiner could be an option.

How complicated is it to set up a mesoSPIM?

We recommend setting up a mesoSPIM to researchers who have previous experience in setting up custom microscopes such as two-photon or other light-sheet instruments.

Where can I find the instructions to set up a mesoSPIM?

Please have a look in the Benchtop and V5 mesoSPIM hardware documentation.

Clearing methods

What clearing techniques is the mesoSPIM compatible with?

The mesoSPIM has been tested in combination with active & passive CLARITY, CUBIC, BABB, iDISCO, and ECi-based clearing methods, as well as tissue expansion methods. The mesoSPIM is compatible with most existing clearing techniques.

Software

Where can I find the mesoSPIM-software?

All versions of hardware can be controlled with mesoSPIM-control.

Can the mesoSPIM-Software be used to control other light-sheet microscopes?

Basically yes, but mesoSPIM-control is tailored to control mesoSPIM setups. If you intend to do so, please fork mesoSPIM-control on Github

Does mesoSPIM-control support time-lapse acquisitions?

Currently only as a scripted acquisition. Contact us if you are intereted in a GUI-based time-lapse acquisition.

Can a mesoSPIM be controlled with other acquisition software?

Yes, the navigate successfuly controls Benchtop mesoSPIM microscopes and there are some configuration examples available.