Confocal fluorescence microscope

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 558344172

Being the gateway to the cell, the plasma membrane is key to cellular functionality, determined by the organization and diffusion and interaction dynamics of molecules in the membrane. Based on optical microscopy, the Eggeling group has over the years built up a portfolio of techniques for the investigation of these characteristics. Examples are high-resolution imaging of the spatial organization of fluorescently labelled membrane constituents, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) or Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) to uncover diffusion dynamics of fluorescent lipid and protein analogues, and spectral imaging of environment-sensitive membrane dyes reporting on the local membrane lipid order using confocal microscopy. With this, the Eggeling group together with the Microverse Imaging Centre (MIC) of the Jena Excellence Cluster Balance of the Microverse is driving and supporting a range of interdisciplinary research projects that are linked to collaborative research initiatives such as Collaborative Research Centres, Research Training Groups, the Excellence Cluster or Science Campi. One of the main foci of the microscopy-based experiments here is the observation of molecular membrane adaption during cellular signalling events such pathogen invasion or budding, toxin and peptide attachments or nanoparticle-based drug delivery. For continuous support of these projects, the Eggeling group together with the MIC is asking for a confocal fluorescence microscope capable of measurements modes such as fast high-resolution imaging, FCS, FRAP and spectral imaging.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Konfokales Fluoreszenzmikroskop
• Instrumentation Group: 5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503)
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
• Leader: Professor Dr. Christian Eggeling