TreAz: Innovative Tool for Click-Free Imaging

Click-free imaging of carbohydrate trafficking in live cells using an azido photothermal probe

Researchers from Boston University, the University of Massachusetts and Linnaeus University have unveiled a new method to observe how sugars move within living cells, potentially transforming our understanding of cellular processes and disease mechanisms. The study, which was published in Science Advances, introduces a novel tool named TreAz, an azido photothermal probe, which allows for click-free imaging, simplifying the process and reducing invasiveness. This method uses mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) spectroscopy, a technique that employs light to capture detailed images of sugars in action.

the fluorescence imaging was pursued by a laser-scanning fluorescence modality integrated into the MIP microscope. Our 488-nm laser (06-MLD, Cobolt) was co-aligned with our 532-nm Cobolt Samba laser to serve as the excitation source, with the laser power output set at 12 mW.

The versatility of TreAz is evident as it can be used across various biological systems, including bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells. This broad applicability opens new avenues for research into cellular metabolism and the development of diseases.

By providing clearer insights into how cells function and how diseases develop, TreAz could lead to significant advancements in medical research and the discovery of new treatments.

This breakthrough in imaging technology marks a significant step forward in the field of cell biology, offering a powerful tool for scientists to explore the intricate world of cellular processes.