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Two-photon conversion of a bacterial phytochrome.

Serge G Sokolovski1, Evgeny A Zherebtsov2, Rajiv K Kar3

  • 1Optoelectronics and Biomedical Photonics Group, AIPT, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

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|February 5, 2021
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists used bacterial phytochromes and near-infrared lasers to activate optogenetics. This method allows light to penetrate tissues like bone and skull, enabling deeper and more precise control of biological processes.

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Area of Science:

  • Optogenetics
  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Photoreceptors mediate light-dependent biological responses and are key tools in optogenetics.
  • Phytochromes, a class of photoreceptors, shift between red light (Pr) and far-red light (Pfr) states, extending optogenetics into the near-infrared spectrum.
  • Current near-infrared optogenetics faces limitations due to poor light penetration through bone and skull.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the activation of bacterial phytochromes using femtosecond lasers in the 1 μm wavelength range.
  • To overcome the challenge of light penetration through dense tissues for optogenetic applications.
  • To explore two-photon absorption as a mechanism for phytochrome activation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized quantum chemical calculations to predict two-photon absorption cross sections of bacterial phytochromes.
  • Experimentally demonstrated phytochrome activation using femtosecond laser pulses at wavelengths from 1170 to 1450 nm.
  • Measured the photoreversible Pr ↔ Pfr conversion efficiency across different wavelengths.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial phytochromes exhibit significant two-photon absorption cross sections.
  • Photoreversible Pr ↔ Pfr conversion was successfully driven by two-photon absorption between 1170 and 1450 nm.
  • Optimal Pfr yield was observed between 1170 and 1280 nm, with a sharp decline beyond 1300 nm.

Conclusions:

  • Two-photon activation of bacterial phytochromes provides a novel approach for optogenetics.
  • This method enables unprecedented light penetration through bone, skull, and soft tissues.
  • The findings lay the groundwork for enhanced spatial resolution in optogenetics and deep-tissue applications.