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Lasing with cell-endogenous fluorophores: parameters and conditions
1Precision Measurements Group, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-04, 138634, Singapore, Singapore. derrick-yong@SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg.
Scientific Reports
|October 21, 2017
Summary
This study explores lasing within unlabelled cells using natural autofluorescence. Researchers found reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) is a viable candidate for cellular lasing.
Area of Science:
- Biophotonics
- Cellular Imaging
- Laser Physics
Background:
- In vivo lasing aims to create lasers within biological systems.
- Current methods rely on exogenous dyes, limiting practical applications.
- Cellular autofluorescence offers a potential alternative for endogenous lasing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of lasing unlabelled cells using endogenous fluorophores.
- To theoretically assess the lasing potential of flavins and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H).
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of dye lasing using coupled rate equations.
- Analytical solutions for one- and two-photon pumped systems.
- Multi-parameter studies under physiological conditions.
Main Results:
- Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) can achieve lasing at physiological conditions with a cavity quality factor of 10^5.
- Tuning intersystem crossing can enable lasing of flavins, even at low concentrations.
- Flavins are more practical for lasing unlabelled cells due to lower thresholds and cavity factors, especially with reduced intersystem crossing.
Conclusions:
- Lasing within unlabelled cells using endogenous fluorophores is theoretically possible.
- NAD(P)H and flavins are promising candidates for cellular lasing applications.
- Optimizing intersystem crossing and pumping methods can enhance in vivo lasing capabilities.
