Side-View Imaging of Cells Using PRISM: Pathway Rotated Imaging for Sideways Microscopy (2016)

Undergraduates: Mikaela Orbon, Evan Nelsen

Faculty Advisor: Richard Superfine
Department: Physics & Astronomy

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The mechanical properties of biological cells and tissues are of great scientific interest due to their connection to diseases such as cancer. Central to the process of studying the mechanical properties of cells is the ability to image cells while they are being physically manipulated. Typically, cells are manipulated by applying a mechanical load in the Z (top-down) direction, while top-down images of the X-Y plane are taken using epifluorescence imaging. Imaging from the side (of the X-Z plane) provides more information about cells¿¿¿ response to external forces. However, X-Z-plane imaging is difficult because the microscopes are set up to obtain images from the top, not the side. Pathway Rotated Imaging for Sideways Microscopy (PRISM) allows top-down and side-view imaging to occur simultaneously, providing much more information than either image alone. PRISM uses a 0.18 mm square reflective optic placed at a 45-degree angle to the X-Y plane within the field of view of the imaging microscope. This allows the microscope to obtain images of the side view while obtaining images of the top-down view. Thus, we can better study cells¿¿¿ response to mechanical stimuli, and gain a better understanding of the mechanical properties of cells.