Automating Photomanipulation on the Acquifer IM
Automate large-scale photomanipulation experiments with the
Acquifer IM
In this technical note, readers will learn about the Acquifer IM and photomanipulation module for experiments including photodamaging cells and tissues, switching convertible fluorophores, and performing optogenetic activation. These technologies overcome typical difficulties of photomanipulation by offering an automated approach and simplified workflow control for larger-scale experiments.
Readers can expect to learn more about:
- The photomanipulation module and Acquifer IM provide enhanced scalability for complex photomanipulation experiments
- An optomechnical design enables accurate targeting and manipulation of biological samples
- Plate-Viewer software simplifies workflow control
- These technologies support diverse applications (e.g. photodamaging to study regeneration and immune response)
KEYWORDS: Acquifer Imaging Machine (IM), High-Content Screening, Automated Photomanipulation, Plate-Viewer Software, Cell Biology
Introduction
Photomanipulation includes a range of powerful techniques that precisely alter the state of biological samples or the activity of reagents using targeted illumination, usually with laser light. However, current photomanipulation technologies are often difficult to implement and are typically restricted to the photomanipulation of a few handpicked samples. This hampers their more widespread usage, especially in large-scale assays such as whole organism screening scenarios. This technical note discusses how Bruker's Acquifer Imaging Machine (IM) equipped with the photomanipulation module provides an ideal solution for automating photomanipulation experiments.
Photomanipulation Module
The photomanipulation module is an optional hardware upgrade for Acquifer IM. It enables users to easily scale up complex photomanipulation experiments, such as photodamaging cells and tissues, switching convertible fluorophores, uncaging compounds, or performing optogenetic activation in a cell- or tissue-specific manner. Developed in collaboration with Rapp Optoelectronic (Wedel, Germany), the technology relies on Acquifer IM's unique optomechanical design with moving optics and a stationary sample holder. The module is automatically positioned under the sample before scanning optics are used for precise photomanipulation.
Plate-Viewer Software
Simplified workflow control is fully integrated into Plate-Viewer, a tool for smart imaging and supervised feedback microscopy. Target structures are selectively imaged, visualized in Plate-Viewer, and expertly annotated with one or multiple regions of interest (ROIs). These ROIs can take different forms including lines or polygons and represent areas for subsequent laser illumination. Full datasets originating from the imaging of entire microplates can be annotated (see Figure 1). The subsequent photomanipulation is then executed automatically and no further user interaction is required, enabling true large-scale photomanipulation for biomedical assays.
Photomanipulation Applications
The Acquifer photomanipulation module simplifies targeted laser illumination and enables larger-scale photomanipulation experiments for novel complex screening assays. Potential applications include photodamage (e.g., regeneration or immune response after injury), photoconversion (e.g., cell and tissue labeling), uncaging (e.g., tissue-specific compound activity), and optogenetics (e.g., tissue-specific channel or enzyme activity).
Solutions for Automated Photomanipulation
Acquifer IM with the optional add-on photomanipulation module enables researchers to perform and automate photomanipulation experiments. Plate-Viewer software also provides different tools and template-matching algorithms for the selection of ROIs, delievering robust localization of target structures in every well. These innovative technologies open the door for advanced studies in cell biology, biomedicine, and more.
Acknowledgments
The Acquifer IM photomanipulation module was developed as part of a cooperation project supported by BMWi’s ZIM program (Central Innovation Programme for SMEs). Partners: Acquifer Imaging GmbH (Heidelberg)/DITABIS AG (Pforzheim), Rapp Optoelectronic (Wedel), Jens Westhoff lab (University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg) and Holger Erfle lab (IPMB, Heidelberg).
©2024 Bruker Corporation. Acquifer IM and Plate-Viewer are trademarks of Bruker. All other trademarks are the property of thei respective companies. All rights reserved. TN2603, Rev. A0.
