SOFI-based 3D superresolution sectioning with a widefield microscope

BACKGROUND: Fluorescence-based biological imaging has been revolutionized by the recent introduction of superresolution microscopy methods. 3D superresolution microscopy, however, remains a challenge as its implementation by existing superresolution methods is non-trivial. METHODS: Here we demonstrate a facile and straightforward 3D superresolution imaging and sectioning of the cytoskeletal network of a fixed cell using superresolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI) performed on a conventional lamp-based widefield microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: SOFI's inherent sectioning capability effectively transforms a conventional widefield microscope into a superresolution 'confocal widefield' microscope.