Photothermal label-free dynamic probing and modulation of astrocytes and fibroblast cell models
Abstract
The aim of this proposal is to combine innovative optical label-free imaging techniques with subdiffractionlimited resolution targeting molecular and structural cell function to interrogate, probe and monitor different biological systems in tissue models and primary cell culture. The objective is to gain novel insights into cell and tissue dynamics associated with neuronal communication and brain function, especially focused on the role of astrocytes, their ion channels, calcium signaling and the existence of microdomains and aquaporin (AQP) complexes. Three-dimensional cell culture systems that provide scalable, reproducible and practical tissue models and mimic cells in their natural environment will be analyzed and validated. We will offer novel probing instrumentation to monitor non-invasively and non-destructively chemical composition, secondary protein structure and thermal dynamics in real-time of complex cellular systems to provide an important toolset to explore biophysics, biomaterials and biomedical devices. By expanding beyond conventional optical imaging and electrophysiology methods, we can explore biophysical mechanisms in a multi-scale fashion and conduct dynamic label-free optical measurements targeting molecular vibrational bonds with high temporal precision and high spatial resolution. Our developed technology, vibrational infrared photothermal phase and signal imaging (VIPPS), provides unique capabilities of analyzing chemical signatures based on functional groups, combined with thermal diffusion properties over different timescales, while being able to monitor non-equilibrium transitions. This will allow us to map the molecular structure of astrocyte microdomains and aquaporin aggregates, investigate the functional role of astrocytes exposed to optical modulation and analyze three-dimensional fibroblast cell models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310006
Entities
People
- Michelle Y Sander
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Boston University
- United States Air Force