Quantitative Phase Imaging Advances Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is defined as the process of replacing, engineering, or regenerating human or animal cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish their normal function. Researchers have developed techniques and devised innovative treatments using methods that are suited for small-scale cell production in standard laboratories. For example, in an ongoing Swedish-British study, eight patients with Parkinson’s disease will receive stem cell treatment. However, before any cell treatments can become available to the general population, production must be scaled up, streamlined, and safe. To scale up the process, larger batches of cells must be produced, and the batches must be standardized and monitored to invariably deliver the expected outcome safely. A nondestructive technology such as quantitative phase imaging is capable of meeting this need.
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Fluorescence Polarization Approach Allows Quantitative Cancer Diagnosis
Fluorescence polarization (Fpol) is an optical phenomenon that characterizes the polarization of fluorescence emissions relative to the polarization state of the excitation light. It is sensitive to factors that influence the rotational motion of the fluorophores during the lifetime of the excited state, for example, binding and viscosity. The binding of fluorophores to larger macromolecules reduces rotational mobility and preserves high Fpol. Similarly, high Fpol values will be exhibited by fluorophores in a viscous environment that restricts rotational movement.
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Cell Manipulation Technique Enters into Commercial Market
A laser technology developed at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics makes it possible to influence and specifically control movements within living cells and embryos. The technology, called Focused Light-Induced Cytoplasmic Streaming (FLUCS), can be used to help better understand embryonic developmental disorders. The technology has been licensed by Rapp OptoElectronic, a photomanipulation and illumination systems developer.
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