Research
Optical spectroscopy and imaging
We develop novel optical spectroscopy and microscopy technologies to map chemical contrast and processes in biological and material samples. Our spectroscopy and imaging modalities are based on nonlinear optical processes, including coherent Raman scattering, harmonic generation, multiphoton excitation fluorescence, and transient absorption. We are interested in improving the chemical selectivity, throughout, and sensitivity of chemical imaging technologies.
Related publications:
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M.G. Clark, G. Gonzalez, and C. Zhang*. "Pulse-picking multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy". Analytical Chemistry 94, 15405–15414 (2022). Link
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M.G. Clark, K.J. Mohn, B. Dong, H.C. Campbell, and C. Zhang*. "Frequency-domain low-wavenumber hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy", Analytical Chemistry, (2024) 96 (25) 10341–10347. Link (Supplementary Cover)
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M.G. Clark, K. Brasseale, G. Gonzalez, G. Eakins, and C. Zhang*. "Direct comparison of hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy for chemical imaging", Journal of Visualized Experiments 182, e63677 (2022). Link
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C. Zhang* and J. A. Aldana-Mendoza. "Coherent Raman scattering microscopy for chemical imaging of biological systems", Journal of Physics, Photonics 3, 032002 (2021) Link
Real-time Precision Opto-control
We develop new precision opto-control platforms and use lasers to control chemical processes in living cells. Our method can selectively control chemical processes in living samples without affecting other parts of the sample. RPOC has high chemical specificity, submicron precision, and nanosecond response time.
Related publications:
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M.G. Clark, G. Gonzalez, Y. Luo, J. Aldana-Mendoza, M.S. Carlsen, G. Eakins, M. Dai, and C. Zhang*. "Real-time precision opto-control of chemical processes in live cells". Nature Communications, 13, 4343 (2022). Link
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B. Dong#, S. Mahapatra#, M.G. Clark, et al. and C. Zhang*. "Spatiotemporal precise optical manipulation of intracellular molecular activities", Advanced Science, 2307342 (2024) Link
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M.G. Clark, S. Ma, S. Mahapatra, K. Mohn, and C. Zhang*. "Chemical-imaging-guided optical manipulation of biomolecules", Frontiers in Chemistry. 11:1198670. Link
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S. Mahapatra, S. Ma, B. Dong, and C. Zhang*. "Quantification of cellular phototoxicity of organelle stains by the dynamics of microtubule polymerization" VIEW, 20240013 (2024). Link
Understanding and controlling cell metabolism
We apply imaging and spectroscopy technologies developed in our lab to understand the metabolism of cancer and bacteria cells, especially in stress conditions. We are especially interested in how lipid metabolism and protein dynamics change in live cells in stress conditions. We also use precision opto-control technologies to manipulate and control cell metabolism.
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C. Zhang*. "Coherent Raman scattering microscopy of lipid droplets in cells and tissues". Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, Review Article (2023) https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6540
Research Keywords: Optical imaging, opto-control, Raman spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, cancer biology, cell metabolism.