6· 2· 08· New Asylum Research MFP-3D AFM Available
The IBD NanoBio Facility has just acquired a new Asylum Research MFP-3D-BIO atomic force microscope. This is a top-of-the-line ultra-low-noise closed-loop AFM designed specifically for biological samples. It is mounted on an inverted optical microscope for integration with simultaneous widefield fluorescence/phase/brightfield observation and has a bioheater for maintaining samples up to 80°C. It is compatible with live samples on coverslips, in Petri dishes, or in closed chambers both in air and in buffer. It is the ideal instrument for not only high-resolution imaging of DNA, proteins, cells, and tissue, but sensitive force extension and mechanical property (e.g. Young's Modulus) measurements as well. It can even do nanolithography if you'd like to write on your cells. The instrument is shared and jointly administered with the MRSEC facilities.
5· 1· 08· CARS Microscope Available for Collaborative Projects
The IBD NanoBio Facility is pleased to announce the availability its first in-house developed instrument, a Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscope. The CARS microscope is sensitive to intrinsic molecular vibrations of biomolecules and does not require the introduction of fluorescent tags to generate images. Accordingly, CARS is extremely noninvasive and can image proteins, lipids, live cells, and tissue in their native states. Additionally, CARS can also determine “fingerprint” spectra of unlabeled biomolecules that can be used for identification and localization in fixed and live samples. More information and examples can be found in the tutorials section of the reference page.
We have completed the first development stages and the CARS microscope is now producing images and data. For example, the images at right are false-color CARS images in different Raman frequency bands of an unlabeled live cell. We are now actively seeking collaborative pilot projects to establish new research directions for this exciting new instrument. Please contact the IBD NanoBio Facility if interested.
4· 14· 08· Principles of Fluorescence Techniques 2008 Meeting a Success
The first annual Principles of Fluorescence Techniques Chicago 2008 was a great success. Forty attendees from across the US and Europe enjoyed a great series of seminars given by eminent researchers and Professors in their fields spanning the basics of fluorescence all the way up to advanced applications. The talks were complimented by hands-on labs and demonstrations with steady-state, time-domain, and frequency-domain fluorometers as well as time-resolved FCS, FRAP, TIRF, and multiphoton microscopes. The IBD NanoBio Facility hosted the meeting in conjunction with the Fluorescence Foundation and corporate partners ISS and MAG Biosystems.
We are already planning an expanded version for next year, to be held on campus April 8-10th, 2009. All levels of attendees from undergraduate, graduate, postdoc, professorial, and professional researchers are welcome. More information can be found here.
9· 10· 07· Next Generation CARS in The U of C Magazine
The CARS microscopy project underway in the NanoBio Facility is featured in The September/October University of Chicago Magazine's 'Next Generation' section for cutting edge campus research. Photo shows postdoc Martin Lenz, Ph.D., NanoBio Tech Director Justin Jureller, Ph.D., and NanoBio Faculty Director Prof. Norbert F. Scherer with the CARS microscope in the lab.
7· 19· 07· Geckos and Mussels on Nature Cover
Haeshin Lee, a NanoBio user from Prof. Phillip Messersmith's group at Northwestern has an article on the chemistry behind the stickiness of geckos and mussels on this week's Nature cover. The atomic force microscopy force pulling measurements were done on the NanoBio Facility's previous Asylum MFP-1D AFM system.
5· 24· 07· ISS Lifetime Fluorometer Demo
We have arranged a free demo of a Chronos Liftetime Fluorometer from ISS. This cuvette based-frequency domain instrument can resolve fluorescence lifetimes, anisotropies, quenching, or FRET signals in the visible, UV, and NIR from picosecond to millisecond regimes. It is available for you to try free of charge, so please contact us or bring your samples down.
Check out more about specs and applications at ISS or download the datasheet or flyer.
5· 24· 07· Core Fair Thursday
The campus core facility fair is this Thursday 5/24/07 from noon to 1:30pm in the GCIS 3rd floor atrium. Come see posters and presentations and chat with staff of the various core facilities about available research tools, services, and techniques. Tasty food and refreshments will be provided.
Here's the flyer(pdf).
3· 16· 06· The NanoBiology Facility in the Chronicle
The NanoBio Facility received mention in a Chronicle article detailing new shared resources on campus.