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Robust MINFLUX microscope for improved system stability and accessibility

Project description

MINFLUX super-resolution microscopy for improved stability and accessibility

The minimal photon fluxes (MINFLUX) concept enables 3D spatial fluorescence microscopy at molecular-scale resolution (1–3 nm) combined with millisecond temporal resolution in living cells. MINFLUX obtains information about dynamic functional molecular changes, yet current commercial systems are prohibitively expensive. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the RobMin project will develop a MINFLUX system with simplified optical scanning, making it more affordable, easier to build and accessible to a broad range of researchers. RobMin will replace the 3D scanning with a combination of spatial light modulators and fast switching of multiple optical fibres, preserving imaging speed and resolution. The capabilities of the modified MINFLUX system will be tested on biological objects.

Objective

MINFLUX super-resolution microscopy provides a 3D spatial resolution down to 2 nm combined with millisecond temporal resolution in living cells. MINFLUX has the potential of revolutionizing structural cell biology by measuring dynamic functional changes of protein machines. Currently, however, access to MINFLUX is very limited because the implementation of custom-built MINFLUX microscopes is complex, and commercial systems are very expensive.

The objective of this proposal is to develop a MINFLUX system with simplified optical scanning systems, which makes the system robust, affordable, and easier to build, to provide increased accessibility to a wider range of researchers. To this end, we aim to replace the 3D scanning systems with a combination of spatial light modulators and fast switching of multiple optical fibers, without compromising its imaging speed and achievable resolution. We will demonstrate the performance of the new MINFLUX system on biological systems to showcase the system capability.

The research will take place at the group of Dr. Jonas Ries at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, a leading group in developing new approaches in single molecule localization microscopy and application in biology. This highly interdisciplinary project will strengthen my expertise in advanced optics, software programming, electronics, and biology. It will have an important impact in the field of structural cell biology by enabling direct measurements of dynamic structural and functional changes of protein machines in living cells. This fellowship will establish me as a recognized researcher in the field and will be the optimal basis to start my own research group.

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020

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Coordinator

EUROPEAN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 174 806,40
Address
Meyerhofstrasse 1
69117 Heidelberg
Germany

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Region
Baden-Württemberg Karlsruhe Heidelberg, Stadtkreis
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 174 806,40
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