Accomplishments

Microscopy and Microbeams: Collaborative Research and Service

• A photochromic fluorescence switch based on polarization activation was developed and demonstrated in living cells. (M. Berns et al., 2004)
• The concept of controlled ablation of microtubules was performed using picosecond laser pulses. (E. Botvinick et al., 2004)
• Aberrant wound healing in engineered skin models was characterized using multi-photon microscopy (B. Torkian et al., 2004) and modulation of wound healing was achieved using Photodynamic Therapy combined with MPM for assessing endpoints. (L. Chiu et al., 2005)
• Microscopic imaging and an engineered tumor spheroid model were used to validate a computation model of tumor invasion that reveals the importance of micro-mechanical properties in metastatic disease. (H. Friboes et al., 2006)
• Imaging and quantification fo the spatio-temporal activation of Src was performed using local mechanical stimulation in live cells. (P. Wang et al., 2005)
• Spectroscopic monitoring of two-photon excited fluorescence resonance energy transfer was used for characterizing homo- and hetero-dimers of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins. (V. LaMorte et al., 2003; A. Zoumi et al., 2005)
• New contrast elements for oral cancer detection were revealed by imaging cellular metabolism and degradation of extracellular matrix in pre-clinical model using multi-modality OCT, SHG, and TPF signals. (P. Wilder-Smith, T. Krasieva et al., 2005)
• The role of epithelial-derived TGF-b2 in the modulation of subepithelial matrix structure following wounding was characterized using multi-photon microscopy and molecular assays. (G. Thmopson et al., 2006)
• Complex relationships between collagen gel microstructure and mechanical properties were characterized using SHG and TPF microscopy co-localized with electron microscopy and mechanical testing. (C. Raub et at., 2007)

Dr. Samar Mohanty works with Dr. Elliot Botvinick on the development of spatially modulated laser microbeams.

• Microscopic phenotypic consequences of gene-expression on cellular metabolism and extracellular matrix structure were characterized in cornea and skin by intrinsic signal imaging of a transgenic mouse model of epithelial transformation. (J. Lyubovitsky et al., 2006, 2007)
• The viability of chondrocytes, disposition of collagen, and visualization of elastin fibers were demonstrated using intrinsic SHG and TPF imaging of cartilage (A. Yeh et al., 2005); and these signals were used as endpoints for cartilage reshaping (A.M. Karamzadeh et al., 2005) and cartilage regeneration. (M. Kaiser et al., 2006)
• A method for visualizing the impact of mechanical stress on coronary artery wall structures, including collagen and elastin fibers and smooth muscle cells was developed using intrinsic SHG and TPF imaging. (A. Zouimi et al., 2004)
• ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy of brain tumors impacts invasiveness and is synergistic with hyperthermia. (H. Hirschberg et al., 2004, 2006)