Cells in our bodies are like tiny factories where many different chemical reactions happen in different places. Normally, there’s no way to control exactly when and where those reactions occur. To solve this, researchers have created a new technology that uses lasers to target and control what happens inside cells.
Chemical processes within live cells are spatially diverse. Traditionally, they are regulated with chemical interactions, but no method exists to precisely control where, when, and how chemical processes occur within cells.
A Purdue University researcher and his team have developed patent-pending technology called RPOC, or real-time precision opto-control. It uses lasers to target and manipulate cellular behavior.
The initial applications for RPOC include fundamental biological research and pharmaceutical research. Purdue inventors are exploring using the technology to regulate cell division, embryo development and cancer cell migration.
Jesse Chi Zhang, College of Science
Email: otcip@prf.org
Email: Steve Martin // sgmartin@prf.org
