Nanoscopic Characterization of Cellular Processes

This TIMed CENTER Core Facility investigates the biomolecular mechanisms underlying biology and medicine.

In order to realise this project, high-resolution single-molecule fluorescence microscopy (SM-FM) is sometimes used. This is utilised to observe specific molecules in living cells, tissues and entire organisms. Fluorescence microscopy can be used to investigate biomolecular and cellular dynamics, co-localisations and interactions. The basis for this is the selective and specific labelling of certain cell components.

Another important instrument of this Core Facility is super-resolution microscopy (PALM/STORM). This is a technique used to represent fixed or living cells and different kinds of tissue in a three-dimensional space. The series of images generated in this way are transferred to a film sequence for analysis. The multiscale parameters of dynamic and static cellular processes are then analysed using special software packages. In this way, processes can be recorded and quantified in a computerised and automated manner. In addition to the imaging process, molecular biological techniques are used to characterise biomolecules.

Unfortunately, this video cannot be displayed due to your cookie settings.
To view this content, please the marketing cookies

Functions

  • Real time-visualization of biomolecules, interactions and dynamics
  • (Real time) analysis of dynamic and static cellular and biomolecular processes (diffusion, localization, morphology, protein cluster) by means of specialized software packages
  • 3D-localization of biomolecules in cells and tissue by means of super resolution fluorescence microscopy

Services

  • Determining affinities, stoichiometry, multivalence, interaction kinetics of molecules, absorption of molecules by cells
  • Proof of proteins/RNA/DNA in cells from cell cultures in tissue
  • Tests of bio-markers (e.g. fluorescence markers)
  • Toxicity tests (e.g. on surfaces