Challenges In 3d Live Cell Imaging

A short overview on 3D live cell imaging is given. Relevant samples are described and various problems and challenges-including 3D imaging by optical sectioning, light scattering and phototoxicity-are addressed. Furthermore, enhanced methods of wide-field or laser scanning microscopy together with some relevant examples and applications are summarized. In the future one may profit from a continuous increase in microscopic resolution, but also from molecular sensing techniques in the nanometer range using e.g., non-radiative energy transfer (FRET).