Light-Sheet Microscopes

Photomanipulation Module

Manipulate biological processes with laser-light precision

Photomanipulation

Photomanipulation is an experimental technique used in various scientific disciplines, particularly in biology, cell biology, and neuroscience. It involves using lasers for the precise and controlled manipulation of biological samples, such as cells, tissues, or organisms.

By directing and focusing light beams with high accuracy, photomanipulation allows researchers to alter specific regions within samples. This enables a wide range of applications, including targeted ablation, optogenetics, photoactivation, photoconversion, and photobleaching. These techniques have become instrumental in studying cellular processes, probing the functionality of specific proteins and organelles, and understanding the complex interactions within living systems. As a result, photomanipulation has proven to be an indispensable tool in advancing our knowledge of biological mechanisms and has paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries in modern scientific research.

Which experiments can be done with photomanipulation?

The Photomanipulation Module (PM) can be used for experiments such as:

  • Photoablation
  • Uncaging
  • Photobleaching
  • Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP)
  • Optogenetics
  • Cauterization

Which Luxendo SPIMs can perform photomanipulation?

Bruker's Luxendo light-sheet microscopes utilize industry-leading selective-plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) technology. These advanced SPIM systems have been widely used for observational studies in fields such as developmental biology and drug treatments. When equipped with the innovative photomanipulation module (PM), Luxendo SPIMs are equipped to delve into local biophysics, enabling precise and laser-based manipulations at specific regions of interest. This groundbreaking addition extends the capabilities of Luxendo SPIMs, allowing researchers to explore intricate biophysical processes and unlock new avenues of scientific exploration.

The PM is compatible with three Luxendo SPIMs.
Time-lapse of cytokine dynamics in a tail wound assay. Pseudo-Brightfield and il1b:GFP (green) merged. Captured every 5 minutes for 12 hours. Sample courtesy of Dr. Elizabeth Jerison, Stanford University.
Screenshot of webinar by Dr. Matteo Rauzi, showing multi-view light-sheet microscopy for in toto imaging and big data processing to obtain digital embryonic carpets. Find out more in the study by Krzik et al., 2011.