A dual-modality optical coherence tomography and selective plane illumination microscopy system for mouse embryonic imaging

Both optical coherence tomography (OCT) and selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) are frequently used in mouse embryonic research for high-resolution three-dimensional imaging. Each of these imaging methods provide a unique and independent advantage: SPIM provides morpho-functional information through immunofluorescence and OCT provides a method for whole-embryo 3D imaging. In this study, we have combined rotational imaging OCT and SPIM into a single, dual-modality device to image E9.5 mouse embryos. The results demonstrate that the dual-modality setup is able to provide both anatomical and functional information simultaneously for more comprehensive tissue characterization.