confocal laser-scanning-microscope

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 497257311

Confocal fluorescence microscopy is one of the most essential techniques for analysing biomolecular processes in the relevant context of the cell. Within the Department of Chemistry at TUM, there is a strong research focus on protein biochemistry. It is becoming increasingly important to address findings from in vitro biochemical and structural biological experiments in the cellular context. So far, this possibility exists only to a very limited extent at the Department of Chemistry: there is no access to a confocal fluorescence microscope for measurements on living mammalian cells. The aim of this application is therefore to acquire a state-of-the-art confocal microscope with flexible laser emission and live cell incubation capability. This acquisition is part of the appointment of the applicant as an Associate Professor in Cellular Protein Biochemistry. Within the faculty, there is interest across many research groups in this measure, which will represent a significant strengthening of biochemical research at the TUM Department of Chemistry through relevant cell biological equipment and will also further support structural biology groups. The envisaged microscope will thus also benefit basic medical research and at the same time build a bridge to the research groups in inorganic chemistry, where there is great interest in using fluorescence microscopy techniques to analyse new active substances in cells but also new materials. Taken together, the acquisition of the confocal fluorescence microscope will thus make it possible to continue to work on biochemical topics in a contemporary and interdisciplinary manner. In addition, the equipment will create new synergies between biochemical, medicinal and materials chemistry research at the TUM Department of Chemistry.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Konfokales Laser Scanning-Mikroskop
• Instrumentation Group: 5090 Spezialmikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Leader: Professor Dr. Matthias Feige