Table 1 Comparison of the features of different major 3D imaging systems used in zoological studies. The features of the different methods are based on our knowledge of the different pieces of equipment established by our previous studies; various statistics from recent papers are also referenced
From: Visualization of the 3D structures of small organisms via LED-SIM
Lateral resolution | Suitable sample type | Estimated cost (US$) | Suitable sample size | Imaging light source | Sample preparation | Imaging time | Imaging color | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LED-SIM | 0.1 μm | Dry or wet | ~200,000 | <10 mm | LED | Fast | <10 min | Pseudo color |
Laser-SIM | 0.1 μm | Dry or wet | 550,000–650,000 | <10 mm | Laser | Fast | <10 min | Pseudo color |
CLSM | 0.2 μm | Dry or wet | 500,000–700,000 | <10 mm | Laser | Medium | 30 min–1 h | Pseudo color |
SPIM | 0.2 μm | Dry or wet | 300,000–500,000 | <10 mm | Laser | Medium | <10 min | Pseudo color |
Micro-CT | 0.5–5 μm | Dry or wet | 500,000–700,000 | 1–200 mm | X-ray | Medium | 2–24 h | Black and white |
FIB/SBF-SEM | 4–7 nm | Dry | 800,000–900,000 | <1 mm | Electron and ion beam | Medium | 8–9 h | Black and white |
MRI | 20 μm | Wet | 600,000–800,000 | 10–50 mm | Radio frequency | Medium | ~24 h | Pseudo color |