Quantitative phase microscopy monitors subcellular dynamics in single cells exposed to nanosecond pulsed electric fields. Issue 10 (28th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steelman, Zachary A.; Coker, Zachary N.; Kiester, Allen; Noojin, Gary; Ibey, Bennett L.; Bixler, Joel N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of biophotonics. Volume 14:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-07-28
• Subjects: directed energy -- electric field biophysics -- quantitative phase imaging; Photonics -- Periodicals; Optical materials -- Periodicals; Optics -- Periodicals; Medical instruments and apparatus -- Periodicals; 621.3605
• DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202100125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-063X

Abstract

Abstract: A substantial body of literature exists to study the dynamics of single cells exposed to short duration (<1 μs), high peak power (~1 MV/m) transient electric fields. Much of this research is limited to traditional fluorescence‐based microscopy techniques, which introduce exogenous agents to the culture and are only sensitive to a single molecular target. Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is a coherent imaging modality which uses optical path length as a label‐free contrast mechanism, and has proven highly effective for the study of single‐cell dynamics. In this work, we introduce QPI as a useful imaging tool for the study of cells undergoing cytoskeletal remodeling after nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) exposure. In particular, we use cell swelling, dry mass and disorder strength measurements derived from QPI phase images to monitor the cellular response to nsPEFs. We hope this demonstration of QPI's utility will lead to a further adoption of the technique for the study of directed energy bioeffects. Abstract : In this work, we utilize quantitative phase imaging to study the bioeffects of nanosecond pulsed electric fields in single cells. In particular, the cell swelling, dry mass and disorder strength are monitored to observe changes in cell volume, membrane integrity and mechanobiology, respectively. We hope this pilot study will lead to further application of phase‐based imaging tools for the study of electric pulse‐induced biophysical change.