confocal microscope for 4D imaging of multicellular structure and activity

• Subject Area: Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 465594799

The basics of the structure formation of multicellular systems is a current question in the physics of active matter. In recent years, in addition to genetic regulation, the role of mechanical forces has also become an independent subject, mechanobiology. The differentiation of stem cells and the associated growth of multicellular systems has progressed so far that artificial "organoids" can be created, which have enormous potential in basic research, but also for pharmaceutical test studies. A fundamental question in the field is how growth can be controlled by artificial nano- and microstructures in the extracellular environment and how the desired cellular functions can be switched on.The newly established junior research group led by Dr. Serwane is studying the growth of artificial neural networks (retina organoids) from individual cells as part of his ERC Starting Grant project ROMB. In the working group of Prof Rädler, cell migration of individual cells and cell clusters in artificial nano- and micro-constructs is investigated within the framework of the SFB 1032 (Nanoagents) "spatiotemporal control of molecular and cellular processes".In this context, a joint confocal microscope is applied for, which allows scales in the range from a few hundred nanometers to several millimeters to be displayed in complex 3D cell systems, as well as to test and manipulate them using laser-based techniques. It is essential that the confocal microscope is able to record cell behavior in physiological and artificial environments over a longer period of time (4D image).The following criteria are of central importance for the projects: 1. Different laser lines in order to be able to image different cellular components. 2. Spatial resolution with which nanostructured environments are recorded (<200nm), 3. Fast fluorescence measurements (Ca imaging) to read out neuronal responses (<25 ms per image, with an optimal signal-to-noise ratio) 4. Low phototoxicity for 4D measurements over 48h. 5. Fast spectral detection to characterize local light-matter interaction. A corresponding device is not available either at the chair or in the vicinity of the physics faculty in the city center. The procurement is to replace a 19-year-old confocal microscope from the original equipment at the Rädler chair.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Konfokalmikroskop zur 4D Abbildung von multizellulärer Struktur und Aktivität
• Instrumentation Group: 5090 Spezialmikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Leader: Professor Dr. Joachim Rädler