BOOST: a robust ten-fold expansion method on hour-scale

Jinyu Guo, Hui Yang, Chixiang Lu, Di Cui, Murong Zhao, Cun Li, Weihua Chen, Qian Yang, Zhijie Li, Mingkun Chen, Shan-chao Zhao, Jie Zhou, Jiaye He and Haibo Jiang ()
Additional contact information
Jinyu Guo: Pok Fu Lam
Hui Yang: Pok Fu Lam
Chixiang Lu: Pok Fu Lam
Di Cui: Pok Fu Lam
Murong Zhao: Pok Fu Lam
Cun Li: Pok Fu Lam
Weihua Chen: Pok Fu Lam
Qian Yang: Pok Fu Lam
Zhijie Li: Southern University of Science and Technology)
Mingkun Chen: The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
Shan-chao Zhao: The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University
Jie Zhou: Pok Fu Lam
Jiaye He: Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Haibo Jiang: Pok Fu Lam

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Expansion microscopy enhances the microscopy resolution by physically expanding biological specimens and improves the visualization of structural and molecular details. Numerous expansion microscopy techniques and labeling methods have been developed over the past decade to cater to specific research needs. Nonetheless, a shared limitation among current protocols is the extensive sample processing time, particularly for challenging-to-expand biological specimens (e.g., formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections and large three-dimensional specimens). Here we present BOOST, a rapid and robust expansion microscopy workflow that leverages a series of microwave-accelerated expansion microscopy chemistry. Specifically, BOOST enables a single-step 10-fold expansion of cultured cells, tissue sections, and even the challenging-to-expand FFPE sections under 90 minutes. Notably, BOOST pioneers a 10-fold expansion of large millimeter-sized three-dimensional specimens, previously unattainable to the best of our knowledge. The workflow is also easily adaptable based on stable and common reagents, thus boosting the potential adoption of expansion microscopy for applications.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57350-3

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