Abstract

While most current biological research focuses on molecular, biochemical aspects of cell processes, we are interested in the physical properties of cells and their importance for biological function. One reason why this has not happened yet is a paucity of appropriate tools for the quantification such physical properties. We have been, and constantly are developing novel photonic and microfluidic tools to quantify these physical properties, including optical traps, optical diffraction tomography, Brillouin microscopy as well as real-time deformability cytometry. I will introduce these techniques, which physical properties are being measured, and how those relate to better understanding of cell function (including phase-separation and phase transitions in cells), improved disease diagnosis and novel therapeutic options.