Wollman Lab - Cellular tracking with microscopy: Spring 2017

The Wollman Lab operates under the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department of UCLA. Alon Yoniv studies cell interaction and communication during the healing of wounds. Single plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) is used to combine 2D planes of an object into a 3D model. The 3D modeling is powerful because it can identify cellular components that cannot be seen by a human. Through deep learning, the computer can then recreate these components on its own and search for them in new samples.

Table of Contents

Faculty Member(s) / Advisors

Roy Wollman

Graduate or Undergraduate

Students

AlonYoniv, Ph.D.

Challenges met

In order to illuminate cells, the Wollman lab has constructed a SPIM (single plane illumination microscopy) microscope. Many of the parts making up the microscope were 3D printed through the Lux Lab as prototypes before finally being machined with Aluminum.

Traditional cellular research using microscopy requires a great deal of projected light onto the cell, which in turn puts a great deal of stress on the cells causing them to die within a few days. The Wollman lab utilizes a plate of roughly 250 individual LEDs all specifically angled to converge on an object. The LEDs subject the cells to a much lower intensity of light than traditional microscopes, allowing the cells to remain alive for many weeks. This new and unique method for tracking cells could impact all areas of cellular research in the future. The cost to print the plates supporting the LEDs at a private 3D printing company would cost the Wollman Lab roughly $600 each. With several plates printed at the Lux Lab for free, the Wollman Lab has saved several thousand

Pictures

Stereolithography 3D holder for cells (Printed on Form2)

Imaging:

Application of LED plate:

Various parts 3D printed as prototypes for SPIM scope: