High-resolution fluorescence microscope with photomanipulation

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 448413104

We study the formation of biological condensates by phase separation and investigate stress responses associated with altering the material properties of the cytoplasm. The standard method for studying biological phase separations is fluorescence microscopy. Because of its focus, the working group needs a precise and high-resolution microscope for quantitative cell biology and biochemical analysis of live cell preparations (mammalian cells, yeasts, etc.) and in vitro samples (biological condensates). These tasks require a microscope with automatic stage and large field of view to collect statistically significant numbers of events. In addition, biological processes are temporally resolved in live cell preparations. These require tracking with a very fast and sensitive camera. Most of the experiments require extreme precision and stability, especially at the axial focal plane. This must be ensured by a precise automatic holding focus, which also allows the filming and analysis of samples subjected to a targeted temperature change.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Hochauflösendes Fluoreszenzmikroskop mit Photomanipulation
• Instrumentation Group: 5000 Labormikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Dresden
• Leader: Professor Dr. Simon Alberti