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Automated laser guidance of neuronal growth cones using a spatial light modulator
Author(s) -
Carnegie David J.,
Čižmár Tomáš,
Baumgartl Jörg,
GunnMoore Frank J.,
Dholakia Kishan
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of biophotonics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.877
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1864-0648
pISSN - 1864-063X
DOI - 10.1002/jbio.200910043
Subject(s) - spatial light modulator , optics , laser , controllability , bessel beam , beam (structure) , laser beams , computer science , materials science , physics , mathematics
The growth cone of a developing neuron can be guided using a focused infra‐red (IR) laser beam [1]. In previous setups this process has required a significant amount of user intervention to adjust continuously the laser beam to guide the growing neuron. Previously, a system using an acousto‐optical deflector (AOD) has been developed to steer the beam [2]. However, to enhance the controllability of this system, here we demonstrate the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) to steer and manipulate the shape of a laser beam for use in guided neuronal growth. This new experimental setup paves the way to enable a comprehensive investigation into beam shaping effects on neuronal growth and we show neuronal growth initiated by a Bessel light mode. This is a robust platform to explore the biochemistry of this novel phenomenon. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)