Opto-thermal technologies for microscopic analysis of cellular temperature-sensing systems
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Updated: Sep 28, 2025

Thermal Measurement Techniques in Analytical Microfluidic Devices
Published on: June 3, 2015
Kotaro Oyama1,2, Shuya Ishii1,3, Madoka Suzuki4
1Quantum Beam Science Research Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), 1233 Watanukimachi, Takasaki, Gunma, 370-1292 Japan.
Abstract:
Could enzymatic activities and their cooperative functions act as cellular temperature-sensing systems? This review introduces recent opto-thermal technologies for microscopic analyses of various types of cellular temperature-sensing system. Optical microheating technologies have been developed for local and rapid temperature manipulations at the cellular level. Advanced luminescent thermometers visualize the dynamics of cellular local temperature in space and time during microheating. An optical heater and thermometer can be combined into one smart nanomaterial that demonstrates hybrid function. These technologies have revealed a variety of cellular responses to spatial and temporal changes in temperature. Spatial temperature gradients cause asymmetric deformations during mitosis and neurite outgrowth. Rapid changes in temperature causes imbalance of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and membrane potential. Among those responses, heat-induced muscle contractions are highlighted. It is also demonstrated that the short-term heating hyperactivates molecular motors to exceed their maximal activities at optimal temperatures. We discuss future prospects for opto-thermal manipulation of cellular functions and contributions to obtain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of cellular temperature-sensing systems.
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