Subcellular Laser Dissection with Nanometer Precision

The Rowiak CellSurgeon is a laser nanodissection system for gentle manipulation of living cells and subcellular structures. It combines microscopic imaging techniques with femtosecond laser cutting, providing a versatile platform for novel experimental approaches in biological, medical and pharmaceutical research. Applications include, for example, transfection of cells, deactivation of cell organelles or investigation of cell dynamics.

Main component of the CellSurgeon is a NIR femtosecond laser. Tightly focused laser pulses allow precise and reproducible nanosurgical operations on a subcellular level without harming adjacent structures. Users can choose from different operation modi such as single pulse, two-dimensional or volume operations.

From optical knockout of specific cell organelles to dissection of single cytoskeletal filaments the CellSurgeon is suited for a wide range of applications. One potential application is the optical perforation of cell membranes to enable the transfer of genes into living cells. By focusing the laser beam for a few milliseconds on the membrane, transient pores are created so that nucleic acids and proteins can enter into the cell. Compared to conventional transfection techniques as the use of viral vectors, chemical carriers or electroporation, optical perforation considerably decreases the risk of cell damage.

But the CellSurgeon is not only suited for cutting and ablation. Depending on the laser energy it is also possible to use the system for bleaching of labelled cell structures as well as for optical stimulation of cell organelles.

The CellSurgeon software with its intuitive user interface makes the system easy to use. A lot of features for analysis, image processing and automated procedures are included. Rowiak offers customised configurations. Different lasers, positioning systems and microscopes are available.

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