MIAM Trainee Showcase - The ExSTED Frontier: High-Resolution Biological Imaging

The MIAM Trainee Committee presents NATALIE WOO (Physiology) as she discusses "The ExSTED Frontier: Biological Imaging Resolutions Below 20 Nanometers."

UNDERSTANDING NANOSCALE PROTEIN distributions and interactions remains a major challenge in biological imaging due to limitations imposed by the diffraction limit of light. Expansion microscopy (ExM) and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy offer complementary approaches to surpass this barrier—ExM by physically enlarging biological specimens and STED by selective deactivation of fluorophores to generate a sub-diffraction excitation volume. Natalie's research aims to advance the development, validation, and biological application of these tools individually and in combination (ExSTED) to achieve resolutions below 20 nanometers. High-expansion factor ExM protocols were optimized to improve mechanical stability and broaden applicability, enabling reliable imaging across diverse sample types, including cell cultures, thick tissues, and complex biological models. Data will be presented demonstrating a robust, reproducible imaging protocol encompassing sample preparation, immunolabeling, handling and acquisition, with tools and standards that enhance the accessibility and reliability of nanoscale imaging in biomedical research.

NATALIE WOO is a PhD candidate in Physiology at McGill University, where she develops and applies cutting-edge bioimaging tools to study cell migration. Natalie is actively involved in international imaging communities, including as co-chair of BINA’s Early Career Working Group and cohost of the Expansion Microscopy User Group. Through both her research and leadership, she is committed to advancing imaging accessibility and standardization across disciplines.