title: Automated laser guidance of neuronal growth cones using a spatial light modulator.
abstract: The growth cone of a developing neuron can be guided using a focused infra-red (IR) laser beam [1]. In previous setups this process has required a significant amount of user intervention to adjust continuously the laser beam to guide the growing neuron. Previously, a system using an acousto-optical deflector (AOD) has been developed to steer the beam [2]. However, to enhance the controllability of this system, here we demonstrate the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) to steer and manipulate the shape of a laser beam for use in guided neuronal growth. This new experimental setup paves the way to enable a comprehensive investigation into beam shaping effects on neuronal growth and we show neuronal growth initiated by a Bessel light mode. This is a robust platform to explore the biochemistry of this novel phenomenon.
authors.affiliation: SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK. djc11@st-and.ac.uk
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Carnegie
authors.forename: Tomás
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cizmár
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baumgartl
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Gunn-Moore
authors.forename: Kishan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dholakia
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020013:Calcium Signaling; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020439:Growth Cones / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000528:radiation effects; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D051381:Rats; D017949:Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells; D015398:Signal Transduction