Acoustic microscopy: resolution of subcellular detail.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Scanning acoustic microscopy is used currently for the analysis of subcellular components. By sequential viewing of identified fixed cells [cultured chick embryo ganglia] with acoustic, light and electron microscopy, the acoustic microscope readily detected nuclei and nucleoli, mitochondria and actin cables. Under optimal conditions, images can even be obtained of filopodia, slender projections of the cell surface that are .apprx. 0.1-0.2 .mu.m in diameter. Small objects separated by as little as 0.5-0.7 .mu.m can be resolved. Three aspects of the acoustic micrographs prepared are the extraordinary level of acoustic contrast that can differentiate the various cytoplasmic organelles, even in regions of very thin cytoplasm; the reversals in acoustic contrast that occur when altering the plane of focus; and the sensitivity of the acoustic response to overall cytoplasmic thickness. The acoustic microscope uses a novel source of contrast based on local mechanical properties and provides a degree of resolution comparable to that of the light microscope.