OptoRheo: Live imaging of 3D cell cultures combined with local biomechanical sensing

OptoRheo is a new microscopy platform that allows for live imaging of cells in 3D cultures over long-time courses, combined with micromechanical sensing of the material local to the cells. This is achieved by combining light sheet microscopy, multiplane imaging, optical trapping, and passive particle tracking micro-rheology in a single optical platform. A novel light sheet configuration allows cells to remain undisturbed during imaging, with no dipping objectives or sample scanning involved, allowing delicate samples to grow on the microscope stage over several days. This talk will demonstrate the capabilities of OptoRheo by studying two different cell culture systems, cell cultures grown in hydrogel and spheroid samples.