Abstract:

Advances in optical spectroscopy and microscopy have revolutionized our understanding in live biological functions at the sub-cellular levels. In this seminar, I will present our recent efforts in developing and applying next-generation bond-selective spectro-microscopy for retrieving functional chemical information in live cells and neurons. I will first discuss the coupling of the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging, a nonlinear Raman imaging modality, with newly developed biorthogonal chemical strategies for quantitative subcellular analysis of protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases and for intracellular local environmental sensing through alkyne- hydrogen–deuterium exchange (Alkyne-HDX). I will then present a new mid-infrared near-infrared double-resonance imaging technique, BonFIRE, for bond-selective fluorescence imaging with single-molecule sensitivity. This microscopy platform will allow new capabilities for wide-field super-multiplex imaging and vibrational life-time imaging for sensing heterogeneous cellular interactions and environment.