Method and device for selectively targeting cells within a three-dimensional specimen

1. An apparatus for electromagnetically affecting a cell of interest in a biological specimen, comprising

(a) a stage capable of supporting the specimen;

(b) a detector comprising at least one camera, wherein the detector is capable of resolving the cell of interest within the specimen;

(c) a means for locating the cell of interest in three dimensions;

(d) a means for focusing electromagnetic radiation to a focal volume within the specimen; and

(e) a means for adjusting the relative positions of the stage and electromagnetic radiation focusing means, thereby positioning the cell of interest within the focal volume, wherein the apparatus is capable of electromagnetically affecting cells in at least 1000 separate focal volumes in the specimen per minute.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation source comprises a plurality of lasers emitting radiation of differing wavelengths.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 , whereby the focal volume comprises electromagnetic radiation sufficient to affect the cell of interest resulting in a cellular response selected from the group of cell death, transient permeabilization of the cell membrane, activation of a photosensitive agent, or inactivation of a cell component.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein different cellular responses are induced in different cells of interest by varying the electromagnetic radiation properties selected from the group of wavelength or energy dose.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 , further comprising a means for changing the magnification of the at least one camera.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the means for changing the magnification of the at least one camera comprises a turret or wheel containing different lenses placed in front of the camera, wherein said lens in front the camera is not within the path of the electromagnetic radiation.

7. A method for electromagnetically affecting a cell of interest in a biological specimen, comprising the steps of:

(a) obtaining one or more images of the biological specimen;

(b) locating the cell of interest in three dimensions within the specimen with reference to the one or more images;

(b) focusing electromagnetic radiation to a focal volume, the focal volume intersecting a portion of the specimen containing the cell of interest, wherein the radiation within the focal volume substantially affects only the portion of the specimen within the focal volume, the portion of the specimen within the focal volume being surrounded by an envelope of substantially unaffected specimen.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein at least 1000 separate focal volumes in the specimen are affected per minute.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8 , wherein the focal volume comprises electromagnetic radiation sufficient to affect the cell of interest resulting in a cellular response selected from the group of cell death, transient permeabilization of the cell membrane, activation of a photosensitive agent, or inactivation of a cell component.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein different cellular responses are induced in different cells of interest by varying the electromagnetic radiation properties selected from the group of wavelength or energy dose.

11. The method of claim 9 , wherein iterative processing of the specimen is performed until the appropriate cellular response is achieved.

12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the biological specimen is monitored and processed periodically in situ.