Introduction of leaf 3D imaging services

In previous studies, scientists have used microscopy techniques for leaf imaging to study photosynthesis at multiple junctures and have gained important insights, including elucidating the basic mechanisms of photosynthesis, the diffusion pathways and light utilization gradients within the leaf. In recent years, rapid advances in the field of physics have allowed the initial two-dimensional (2D) explorations to be visualized in 3D space, opening up new avenues for research in the biological sciences.

3D microscopy techniques are now a powerful and useful tool in cellular and structural biology. Emerging technologies are providing new insights into the structure-function relationships between internal leaf anatomy and photosynthesis, as well as improving the ability to simulate water use efficiency, net carbon fixation and metabolite turnover rates in leaves. The tools and techniques available for effective in vivo leaf 3D imaging have greatly accelerated the exploration of leaf 3D structure and the relationships between leaf cellular components, and also provided new approaches to the study of photosynthesis.

Fig.1 Two and three-dimensional view of a rice leaf blade. (Khoshravesh, 2022)