Recent advances in stimulated emission depletion (STED) super-resolution microscopy for in vivo imaging

APL Photonics 2026 Open access

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Authors: Juliet T. Gopinath, Emily A. Gibson, Brendan M. Heffernan, Stephanie Pierce, Catherine A. Saladrigas, Mark E. Siemens, Diego Restrepo
DOI: 10.1063/5.0302521
Cited by: 2
References: 172

Abstract

Recent advances in stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy have resulted in breakthroughs in biological imaging. Such advances include three-dimensional (3D) imaging, aberration correction to enhance resolution at depth in tissue, reduction in photobleaching, and label-free STED-inspired alternatives, enabling in vivo applications. In this perspective, we first summarize the basic principles of stimulated emission depletion microscopy and its major challenges. Next, we discuss techniques to reduce photobleaching, 3D imaging with STED, deep tissue imaging with STED, fiber-coupled STED, live animal imaging, and label-free imaging with super-resolution. Finally, we summarize and provide perspectives for future research.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques Digital Holography and Microscopy Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
APL Photonics
Publisher
AIP Publishing
Volume
11
Issue
3
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN