Real-time precision opto-control of chemical processes in live cells

Abstract

Precision control of molecular activities and chemical reactions in live cells is a long-sought capability by life scientists. No existing technology can probe molecular targets in cells and simultaneously control the activities of only these targets at high spatial precision and on the fly. We develop a real-time precision opto-control (RPOC) technology that detects a chemical-specific optical response from molecular targets during laser scanning and uses the optical signal to trigger an acousto-optic modulator, which allows a separate laser beam to only interact with the molecules of interest without affecting other parts of the sample. RPOC can automatically probe and control biomolecular activities and chemical processes in dynamic living samples with submicron spatial accuracy, nanoseconds response time, and high chemical specificity.