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Review
. 2025 May;22(5):912-927.
doi: 10.1038/s41592-025-02655-w. Epub 2025 May 13.

Advanced vibrational microscopes for life science

Ji-Xin Cheng  1   2   3   4 , Yuhao Yuan  5 , Hongli Ni  5 , Jianpeng Ao  5 , Qing Xia  5 , Rylie Bolarinho  6 , Xiaowei Ge  5
Affiliations
Review

Advanced vibrational microscopes for life science

Ji-Xin Cheng et al. Nat Methods. 2025 May.

Abstract

Providing molecular fingerprint information, vibrational spectroscopic imaging opens a new window to decipher the function of biomolecules in living systems. While classic vibrational microscopes based on spontaneous Raman scattering or mid-infrared absorption offer rich insights into sample composition, they have very small cross sections or poor spatial resolution. Nonlinear vibrational microscopy, based on coherent Raman scattering or optical photothermal detection of vibrational absorption, overcomes these barriers and enables high-speed and high-sensitivity imaging of chemical bonds in live cells and tissues. Here, we introduce various modalities, including their principles, strengths, weaknesses and data mining methods to the life sciences community. We further provide a guide for prospective users and an outlook on future technological advances.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: J.-X.C. declares competing interests with VibroniX and Photothermal Spectroscopy, which did not fund this work. The remaining authors declare no competing interests.

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