Brillouin microscopy for high-speed imaging of rigidity within cells

Abstract:: This project introduces new methods that aim to improve the sensitivity and speed of Brillouin microscopes. Brillouin microscopes use light to measure the stiffness of samples in 3D without requiring physical access, allowing their use in inaccessible locations such as the interior of cells or within intact tissue. However, Brillouin microscopes are too slow to be used in most research. This project introduces a new approach based on different optical physics that is expected to enable faster and more precise imaging. The microscope will be used to study the movement of amoeba, where it is expected to clearly reveal the controlled stiffening and fluidizing of different regions of protoplasm believed to underlie the cell mobility.
Grant type:: ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award
Funded by:: Australian Research Council

The University of Queensland