  The biomechanical properties of cells and tissues play an important role in
our fundamental understanding of the structures and functions of biological
systems at both the cellular and subcellular levels. Recently, Brillouin
microscopy, which offers a label-free spectroscopic means of assessing
viscoelastic properties in vivo, has emerged as a powerful way to interrogate
those properties on a microscopic level in living tissues. However,
susceptibility to photo-damage and photo-bleaching, particularly when
high-intensity laser beams are used to induce Brillouin scattering, poses a
significant challenge. This article introduces a transformative approach
designed to mitigate photo-damage in biological and biomedical studies,
enabling non-destructive, label-free assessments of mechanical properties in
live biological samples. By leveraging quantum-light-enhanced stimulated
Brillouin scattering (SBS) imaging contrast, the signal-to-noise ratio is
significantly elevated, thereby increasing sample viability and extending
interrogation times without compromising the integrity of living samples. The
tangible impact of this novel methodology is evidenced by a notable three-fold
increase in sample viability observed after subjecting the samples to three
hours of continuous squeezed-light illumination, surpassing the traditional
coherent light-based approaches. The quantum-enhanced SBS imaging holds promise
across diverse fields, such as cancer biology and neuroscience where preserving
sample vitality is of paramount significance. By mitigating concerns regarding
photo-damage and photo-bleaching associated with high-intensity lasers, this
technological breakthrough expands our horizons for exploring the mechanical
properties of live biological systems, paving the way for a new era of research
and clinical applications.
