Femtosecond laser source upgraded replacement for unique multi-user multiphoton bioimaging microscope
Lead Research Organisation:
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Department Name: School of Biosciences
Abstract
Light microscopy is an indispensable tool that is driving progress in cell biology. Different optical microscopy methods are currently available, and continuous effort is devoted to developing new techniques with improved capabilities. Complementing fluorescence microscopy, methods able to overcome the need for fluorescent probes, which are prone to photobleaching and associated phototoxicity, are in high demand. In this context, a unique multimodal microscope has been developed at Cardiff University, featuring label-free chemically-specific detection of endogenous biomolecules, alongside imaging non-fluorescing biocompatible nano-probes inside living cells, with unprecedented background-free contrast and photostability.
At the heart of this unique multimodal microscope is a femtosecond laser source which was installed in 2011 and is coming to the end of life. Hence, we are applying for a replacement, with the latest up-to-date version of this source.
Notably, the microscope is being used by a broad research community, through collaborations with academia and industry in the UK and overseas, supporting UKRI (BBSRC, MRC, EPSRC) and EU projects. At Cardiff University the system benefits multiple users across many Schools (Biosciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physics and Engineering).
Example of studies being supported by the microscope include i) engineering "super-scattering" Raman proteins for next-generation vibrational microscopy, ii) understanding the accumulation of micro/nanoplastics pollution in aquaculture fish tissues, iii) investigating the spatial and chemical differences between more aggressive and less aggressive brain cancer (glioblastoma) cells, iv) unravelling membrane protein-lipid interactions, with focus on ATP-gated ion channels as well as pore-forming toxins, and v) developing novel correlative light-electron microscopy workflows with unprecedented accuracy.
The microscope will continue to be embedded and managed within the Bioimaging Hub facility at Cardiff University where it will be available to the wider research community, using an established access model which supports and attracts both internal and external users, including industry. The system is a unique technology worldwide, with a history of generating high impact research outputs. It is crucial that this enabling technology is maintained, through the laser replacement requested here, boosting its huge potential to drive forward discovery science beyond state of the art.
At the heart of this unique multimodal microscope is a femtosecond laser source which was installed in 2011 and is coming to the end of life. Hence, we are applying for a replacement, with the latest up-to-date version of this source.
Notably, the microscope is being used by a broad research community, through collaborations with academia and industry in the UK and overseas, supporting UKRI (BBSRC, MRC, EPSRC) and EU projects. At Cardiff University the system benefits multiple users across many Schools (Biosciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physics and Engineering).
Example of studies being supported by the microscope include i) engineering "super-scattering" Raman proteins for next-generation vibrational microscopy, ii) understanding the accumulation of micro/nanoplastics pollution in aquaculture fish tissues, iii) investigating the spatial and chemical differences between more aggressive and less aggressive brain cancer (glioblastoma) cells, iv) unravelling membrane protein-lipid interactions, with focus on ATP-gated ion channels as well as pore-forming toxins, and v) developing novel correlative light-electron microscopy workflows with unprecedented accuracy.
The microscope will continue to be embedded and managed within the Bioimaging Hub facility at Cardiff University where it will be available to the wider research community, using an established access model which supports and attracts both internal and external users, including industry. The system is a unique technology worldwide, with a history of generating high impact research outputs. It is crucial that this enabling technology is maintained, through the laser replacement requested here, boosting its huge potential to drive forward discovery science beyond state of the art.