Stimulated Raman scattering - vibrational imaging in cells, tissues and model organisms (Conference Presentation)

Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy is a powerful nonlinear optical microscopy technique that images biological structures by exploiting the characteristic, vibrational contrast of the sample molecules. SRS provides a rich, chemically specific and biophysical image contrast that is in many ways complementary to the molecular contrast of fluorescence microscopy. Here, we present a range of applications of SRS, including label-free morphochemical imaging in model organisms, the characterization of organoids and spheroids, and investigations of brain tissues for neurodegenerative disease research. We show specifically that SRS can provide novel insights into the biophysical properties and biochemical composition of Amyloid-β plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Our results highlight the potential of SRS to contribute to a deeper understanding of cell and tissue biology, and to serve as a powerful tool for preclinical and translational research.