Expansion Microscopy: High-Resolution Fluorescent Imaging with a Conventional Microscope

Expansion microscopy (ExM) is an innovative super-resolution fluorescence microscopy technique that physically enlarges biological specimens, enabling imaging beyond the diffraction limit using conventional systems such as confocal microscopes. By embedding samples in a swellable hydrogel matrix, ExM allows isotropic expansion of the sample, enhancing spatial resolution without requiring specialized nanoscopy equipment. Advanced variants, such as Ultrastructure Expansion Microscopy (U-ExM), preserve fine cellular details, including organelles and macromolecular assemblies.