This technology is a 3D optical imaging system that enables simultaneous interrogation and monitoring of multiple local targets within a sample volume at high spatiotemporal resolution.
Unmet Need: Optical systems with fast, volume-based data acquisition at high spatiotemporal resolution
Conventional biological imaging methods involve mechanically scanning the sample and acquiring layer-by-layer images to generate 3D data, which results in low temporal resolution. There is a need for 3D imaging systems that can provide high temporal resolution without compromising spatial resolution, especially for applications such as the study of cell-to-cell communication or brain circuits in living animals, that mandate high spatiotemporal resolution.
The Technology: Optical imaging with multi-site, three-dimensional targeting and sensing at high spatiotemporal resolution
This technology implements a spatial light modulator to deliver custom illumination patterns to the sample, enabling simultaneous measurement of optical signals from multiple targets within a sample volume. By generating a holographic projection, this technology achieves three-dimensional imaging of the sample volume without requiring mechanical movement of the system. As such, this technology provides extended depth-of-field and high spatiotemporal resolution for 3D imaging applications. Importantly, this technology can be an add-on to existing laser microscopes or a stand-alone device. In addition, as a supplement to light sheet microscopy , the tool allows for rapid, volume-based data acquisition. For example, the device can be used for precise control over optogenetic experiments such as imaging of neural circuits both in vitro and in vivo.
A prototype of this technology has been used to optically map synaptic circuits in mouse neocortical brain slices and to activate small dendritic regions and individual spines.
Applications:
- Three-dimensional microscopy
- High-frame-rate optical coherence tomography
- Functional imaging of neuronal activity
- Monitoring fluorescent signals indicative of cell-cell interactions
- Potential monitoring of therapies that change the optical properties of tissue
- Photo-stimulation of neuronal circuits using task-specific illumination patterns
- Quantification of neuronal activity in a 3D sample
Advantages:
- Provides high temporal resolution without compromising spatial resolution
- Enables 3D imaging without mechanical motion, eliminating vibration error
- Capable of simultaneous photo-interrogation and monitoring of many targets within the sample volume
- Reduces photo-exposure via use of targeted illumination patterns
- Compatible with existing microscopes or as a stand-alone product
Lead Inventor:
Rafael Yuste, M.D., Ph.D.
Patent Information:
Patent Pending (US 20150323787)
Related Publications:
Yang, W., Carrillo-Reid, L., Bando, Y., Peterka, D.S. and Yuste, R. (2018). Simultaneous Two-photon Optogenetics and Imaging of Cortical Circuits in Three Dimensions. Elife. 2018 Feb 7;7. pii: e32671.
Yang W, Miller JE, Carrillo-Reid L, Pnevmatikakis E, Paninski L, Yuste R, Peterka DS. Simultaneous multi-plane imaging of neural circuits. Neuron. 2016 Jan 20;89(2):269-84.
Packer AM, Peterka DS, Hirtz JJ, Prakash R, Deisseroth K, Yuste R. Two-photon optogenetics of dendritic spines and neural circuits. Nature Methods. 2012 Dec;9(12):1202-5.
Nikolenko V, Watson BO, Araya R, Woodruff A, Peterka DS, Yuste R. SLM Microscopy: Scanless Two-Photon Imaging and Photostimulation with Spatial Light Modulators. Front Neural Circuits. 2008 Dec;2(5).
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