Biological cell and tissue fixation by laser irradiation

Abstract

Systems and methods of fixing biological cells by laser irradiation. A method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes positioning a sample (of the cell or tissue) in a light pathway of a fixation source. The fixation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength along the light pathway. The sample is exposed to the electromagnetic radiation for an exposure time.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for fixation of a biological sample comprising:
 a microscope configured to visualize first and second portions of the biological sample;   a fixation source configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength and operably coupled to the microscope so as to irradiate the first and second portions of the biological sample;   a moveable stage configured to support the biological sample with respect to the microscope and to move from the first portion of the biological sample to the second portion the biological sample; and   beam delivery-focusing optics between the fixation source and the biological sample and configured to adjust at least one parameter of the electromagnetic radiation,   wherein the first portion of the biological sample may be exposed to the electromagnetic radiation for a first exposure time such that the first portion is fixed and, at some time after the first portion is fixed, the second portion of the biological sample may be exposed to the electromagnetic radiation for a second exposure time such that the second portion is fixed.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fixation source is external to the microscope. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fixation source is within the microscope. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fixation source further comprises:
 a shutter configured to adjust the first exposure time, the second exposure time, or both.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation ranges from about 100 nm to about 7,000 nm. 
     
     
         6 . The system of claim of  claim 1 , wherein the biological sample is positioned on a glass slide on the moveable stage.