The development, screening and characterization of novel fluorescent probes for applications in fluorescence microscopy with nanometer resolution.

The applicant proposes a project for the systematic development, screening, spectroscopic and photophysical characterization of new fluorescent probes for diffraction-unlimited fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy is unique in its possibility for selective, minimally invasive measurements in living cells and tissues, and is a standard tool in any biophysical research lab. By default this technique is limited to a spatial resolution of several hundred nanometers by the diffraction of light, which is very large in relation to the characteristic nanometer-length scales on which structure and dynamic processes occur in living matter. Recently however, new techniques, including the applicant, a diffraction-unlimited resolution possible. These techniques are based on using specially designed fluorophores in combination with the stochastic nature of single-molecule processes. Currently, the performance of these techniques is limited mainly by the absence of fluorophores with optimum physical properties. The project consists of the design, characterization and application of new fluorophores with improved properties.

Keywords:Single-molecule, Diffraction, Microscopy, Superresolution, Mutagenesis, Photoswitching, Fluorescence, Photophysics

Disciplines:Physical chemistry, Medicinal and biomolecular chemistry, Molecular and cell biology, Plant biology, Systems biology, Biophysics, Sustainable chemistry