Real-time precision opto-control of chemical processes in live cells

This paper introduces a real-time precision opto-control (RPOC) technology capable of detecting and controlling molecular activities and chemical reactions within live cells with high spatial precision and chemical specificity. RPOC uses laser scanning to detect chemical-specific optical responses from molecular targets, triggering a second laser to interact only with those targets. The technology is demonstrated through the precise control of a photochromic molecule and a photoswitchable microtubule polymerization inhibitor, showcasing site-specific control of microtubule polymerization and organelle dynamics.

Matthew G. Clark, Gil A. Gonzalez, Yiyang Luo, Jesus A. Aldana-Mendoza, Mark S. Carlsen, Gregory Eakins, Mingji Dai, Chi Zhang