Description:

"Chemically Selective Imaging and Precision Control of Biomolecular Functions in Live Cells"

Abstract: 

Understanding complex biological functions and tracking pathological changes require precise measurement of chemical compositions in biological systems. Recent advancements in optical microscopy have enabled high-resolution mapping of physical and chemical properties, with Coherent Raman Scattering (CRS) microscopy emerging as a powerful technique for imaging lipids and pharmaceutical compounds in biological samples. In this presentation, I will briefly highlight recent technological breakthroughs and key insights from my research group in CRS spectroscopy and microscopy.

The primary focus of this talk will be on Real-Time Precision Opto-Control (RPOC), an innovative technology for site-specific, chemically selective control of subcellular processes with submicron precision. RPOC extends beyond passive chemical imaging by enabling active, localized optical regulation, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, drug activation, photo-uncaging of small molecules, regulation of cell division, and selective cell elimination. These capabilities have provided new insights into site-specific molecular functions and enable sub-organelle-level microsurgery in live cells. In zebrafish embryos, RPOC further enhances the control and analysis of calcium waves induced by ATP uncaging and tissue wounding. I will discuss the development and applications of RPOC, highlighting its potential impact on biological and medical research.

Bio:

Dr. Chi Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Purdue University. He earned his Ph.D. in 2014 from the University of Michigan, specializing in surface nonlinear optical spectroscopy. From 2014 to 2020, his postdoctoral work at Purdue University, Boston University, and the University of Illinois focused on nonlinear optical spectroscopy and imaging for biomedical research. He began his independent research career at Purdue University in 2020, within the Analytical Division of the Chemistry Department.

Dr. Zhang’s current research focuses on developing novel optical imaging and opto-control technologies for biological applications. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and holds five patents. His lab specializes in Raman spectroscopy, coherent Raman scattering microscopy, and fluorescence imaging. In addition, his lab has pioneered Real-Time Precision Opto-Control (RPOC) technology, which enables precision optical control of chemical processes in live biological samples. His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, Merck & Co., BASF, the Purdue Trask Foundation, the Showalter Foundation, and the Center for Bioanalytical Metrology. Notably, he received the Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (MIRA) with 2 Million in support from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Additionally, Dr. Zhang is the Founder of Photokinesis LLC, a company dedicated to the commercialization of advanced optical control technologies.

Related papers can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/zhangresearchgroup/publications?authuser=0