Optical Imaging and Manipulation in the Biological World

The integration of optical imaging and manipulation technologies into biological research has revolutionized our ability to explore and manipulate living systems at scales ranging from single molecules to entire organisms. It shows great potential to unravel complex biological processes, and drive breakthroughs in diagnostics, therapeutics, and fundamental science. Recent innovations in optical imaging—such as super-resolution microscopy, multiphoton imaging, and adaptive optics—have overcome traditional limitations in spatial resolution, penetration depth, and phototoxicity, enabling real-time visualization of cellular dynamics and subcellular events. Concurrently, optical manipulation tools, including optical tweezers, optogenetics, and laser-mediated gene editing, have empowered researchers to precisely modulate biological systems, from guiding neuronal activity to engineering tissue morphogenesis. These synergistic approaches are reshaping our understanding of life sciences, offering new avenues to address challenges in developmental biology, neuroscience, immunology, and regenerative medicine.

This Research Topic aims to address critical challenges and opportunities in applying optical imaging and manipulation tools to biological systems. Despite rapid progress, key limitations hinder broader adoption: imaging artifacts in thick tissues, trade-offs between resolution and speed, invasiveness during long-term manipulation, limited manipulation flexibility and the scalable, cost-effective clinical translation. Recent advances in AI-driven image analysis, hybrid systems combining optics with microfluidics or spectroscopy, and novel nanomaterials for enhanced light-matter interactions offer promising solutions. By focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration, this collection seeks to showcase cutting-edge methodologies that overcome these barriers, enhance biological relevance, and accelerate translation. Contributions should emphasize technical innovation, biological validation, and practical applicability, ultimately advancing our ability to decode life’s complexity and develop next-generation biomedical tools.

This Research Topic invites contributions that push the boundaries of optical technologies for biological exploration. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
1. Novel imaging modalities: Development of ultra-sensitive, high-speed, or label-free techniques for probing biological structures and functions.
2. Advanced optical manipulation: Innovations in optical trapping, novel optical force, optogenetic, or light-based control of cellular processes.
3. Multimodal integration: Hybrid systems combining optical tools with spectroscopy, microfluidics, or AI-driven analytics.
4. Computational and AI-enhanced methods: Algorithms for image reconstruction, data analysis, imaging in deep tissue or autonomous experimental design.
5. Translational applications: In vivo manipulation and imaging, clinical diagnostics, or optically guided therapies.