Optical probes have been enabling researchers to sense and perturb molecular events in cells and tissues since the early 1980s. The introduction of genetically encoded probes in the mid-1990s has revolutionized the field, enabling in vivo applications and promising to allow optical interrogation of nearly any biochemical process. Concurrent innovations in microscopy, instrumentation and model systems have greatly facilitated the development and application of optical probes across lengthscales, timescales, and biological systems. The Bio-optical Probe Advancement Center (BioPAC) aims to integrate probe development, instrumentation innovations, quantitative analysis, and advanced modeling to address important questions in biology and medicine using optical methods. BioPAC provides a continuously evolving platform for enabling inter-lab collaboration, sharing resources and information, promoting rigorous and efficient standards, and enhancing two-way education between developers and users to further advance the field. The ultimate goal of BioPAC is to innovate and apply optical investigative methods to catalyze widespread advances in science and medicine.
Founding Members:
Robert Campbell
Michael Lin
Alexandra Newton
Nathan Shaner
Roger Tsien
Peter Yingxiao Wang
Jin Zhang