Unleashing the freedom of optical manipulation for intercellular activities

Optical control technologies have been demonstrated with high spatial precision. However, present methods are facing challenges in real-time selection and manipulation. To address these limitations, we present a real-time precision optical control technology (RPOC) which is a close-loop optoelectronic system integrated with a laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscope. This technology allows us to control chemical processes at the target sites in real time with high spatiotemporal precision. Using it, we demonstrated the precise generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) solely at selected organelles and monitored ROS-induced changes in microtubule polymerization dynamics. We also selectively inhibit tubulin polymerization using RPOC with a photoswitchable inhibitor. Meanwhile, a software-based optical control system is developed for more flexible selections of chemical targets and optical manipulation.