Light-sheet microscopy has become a valuable tool for
the three-dimensional imaging of biological samples,
offering high resolution, fast imaging speeds, and
minimal photodamage. Two-photon excitation further
enhances its capabilities by providing deeper tissue
penetration and reduced phototoxicity. However,
conventional designs with orthogonal illumination
and detection geometry often restrict the flexibility
required for imaging large or diverse samples that
require varying immersion media. To address the
limitations of conventional systems for seamless
imaging of both living organisms and cleared tissues,
we developed an upright two-photon Bessel beam
light-sheet microscope. Equipped with a middlerange
magnification multi-immersion objective
lens (16x, NA 0.6), the microscope accommodates
refractive indices ranging from 1.33 to 1.51. Built
on a previously established two-photon Bessel beam
illumination system, this microscope maintains a large
field of view while achieving a cellular resolution.
We demonstrated its versatility by applying it to live
specimen imaging and cleared tissue observation. To
image optically cleared tissues, we implemented a
method in which samples were immersed in a clearing
agent and observed using coverslips. This enabled
the high-speed, large-scale imaging of human breast
cancer tissues and mouse brain slices. The adaptability
of the microscope to different immersion media and
its compatibility with coverslips offers significant
flexibility for sample mounting, and this supports
the imaging of large samples. By combining a
laterally unconstrained configuration with two-photon
excitation, this system advances the applicability of
light-sheet microscopy in a wide range of biological
research fields.
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