Lipid Distribution in Cheek Cells visualized by CARS Microscopy
Here is an example of some of the data the CARS microscope is now producing. This is a false-color 3D confocal reconstruction of a live cheek cell visualizing the lipid-like vibrational stretch in the Raman shift frequency band around 2800cm-1. Concentrated areas of intensity are apparent along the membrane and localized in intracellular structures. This image was produced with no fluorescent dyes nor intrinsic or extrinsic fluorophores.
(Dr. Martin O. Lenz, Scherer Group, Chemistry)
We are actively seeking collaborative projects for the CARS microscope to produce cool data like this. Please contact us if interested.
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.