Three-Dimensional Visualisation and Quantification of Lipids in Microalgae Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy and digital imaging allow the selective visualisation and quantification of cellular components and can convey research findings in an appealing and intuitive way. These techniques are regularly used in biomedical research laboratories, but have less widespread application in marine sciences. We present here an approach to label and volumetrically quantify neutral lipids, chloroplasts, DNA and cell volumes in microalgae. Using fluorescence microscopy techniques on “turn-key” systems commonly available to environmental research labs, imaging facilities or accessible groups in other disciplines ensure that this approach can be widely reproduced.