Image-guided optogenetic spatiotemporal tissue patterning using μPatternScope

In the field of tissue engineering, achieving precise spatiotemporal control over engineered cells is critical for sculpting functional 2D cell cultures into intricate morphological shapes. In this study, we engineer light-responsive mammalian cells and target them with dynamic light patterns to realize 2D cell culture patterning control. To achieve this, we developed μPatternScope (μPS), a modular framework for software-controlled projection of high-resolution light patterns onto microscope samples. μPS comprises hardware and software suite governing pattern projection and microscope maneuvers. Together with a 2D culture of the engineered cells, we utilize μPS for controlled spatiotemporal induction of apoptosis to generate desired 2D shapes. Furthermore, we introduce interactive closed-loop patterning, enabling a dynamic feedback mechanism between the measured cell culture patterns and the light illumination profiles to achieve the desired target patterning trends. Our work offers innovative tools for advanced tissue engineering applications through seamless fusion of optogenetics, optical engineering, and cybernetics.