21. The emerging role of nanotechnology in anatomical pathology

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Background Interpretation of subcellular localisation by immu-noelectron microscopy is often difficult due to low probe density on target structures. Correlation studies can provide more accurate context and spatial resolution but such approach has hindered by a lack of suitable probes, furthermore, conventional light microscopy will also limit the interpretation due to the resolution limit from diffraction. Nanoparticles such as quantum dots are recently being introduced in research applications. These nanocrystals offer the potential of universal markers and can be visualised by light and electron microscopy. Super-resolution light microscopy overcomes the limit of light diffraction hence it allows a higher image resolution than the conventional light microscopy. Aims To investigate quantum dot for use as immunocytochemi-cal probes for correlation between light and electron microscopy. Furthermore the image quality between super-resolution, confocal and fluorescence light microscopy were also assessed. Methods Quantum dot and colloidal gold probes have been assessed using anti-somatostatin labelling of secretory granules in human somatostatinoma tumour cells. Images of quantum dot labelled tissues were further examined under fluorescence light, confocal and super-resolution light microscopy. Results Antibody conjugated quantum dot immunolabelling was highly specific and can be visualised by light and electron microscopy. Super-resolution microscopy displayed superior details of the target structures compare to fluorescence light and confocal microscopy. Conclusions Quantum dot nanocrystals offer new possibilities for correlation studies incorporating light microscopy, electron microscopy and super resolution, providing a more sensitive and accurate assessment in diagnostic anatomical pathology. Interpretation of subcellular localisation by immu-noelectron microscopy is often difficult due to low probe density on target structures. Correlation studies can provide more accurate context and spatial resolution but such approach has hindered by a lack of suitable probes, furthermore, conventional light microscopy will also limit the interpretation due to the resolution limit from diffraction. Nanoparticles such as quantum dots are recently being introduced in research applications. These nanocrystals offer the potential of universal markers and can be visualised by light and electron microscopy. Super-resolution light microscopy overcomes the limit of light diffraction hence it allows a higher image resolution than the conventional light microscopy. To investigate quantum dot for use as immunocytochemi-cal probes for correlation between light and electron microscopy. Furthermore the image quality between super-resolution, confocal and fluorescence light microscopy were also assessed. Quantum dot and colloidal gold probes have been assessed using anti-somatostatin labelling of secretory granules in human somatostatinoma tumour cells. Images of quantum dot labelled tissues were further examined under fluorescence light, confocal and super-resolution light microscopy. Antibody conjugated quantum dot immunolabelling was highly specific and can be visualised by light and electron microscopy. Super-resolution microscopy displayed superior details of the target structures compare to fluorescence light and confocal microscopy. Quantum dot nanocrystals offer new possibilities for correlation studies incorporating light microscopy, electron microscopy and super resolution, providing a more sensitive and accurate assessment in diagnostic anatomical pathology.