Summarize WPs and Objectives 1-4
WP1(Training): The researcher obtained professional training in QPM, DUVM and Machine Learning for diffusional sizing of molecules in solution. At the hosting institution, the researcher joined experienced personal on collaborative imaging session with QPM, imaged with and built a DUV microscope supervised by an expert of the field and learnt how to analyse trajectories in imaging data using open-source machine laerning software which allows to estimate size, diffusional behaviour and their classification upon their movement and optical appearance. Outcome: Important knowledge and training acquired for successful conduction of technological WPs.
WP2(Nanofluidic chip fabrication): The researcher designed, built and applied a new cutting-edge 2-photon lithography system and used it to produce master wafers for nanofluidic chip fabrication at UiT. Outcome: The host institution gained expertise in micro-, nanofluidics amongst their staff and educational materials, as well as a new custom-built nanofabrication equipment capable of writing sub-micron features in 3D, able to produce also other optical components related to science conducted at this university.
WP3(Combination of nanofluidics and QPM):The researcher conducted QPM measurements with collaborators and found that QPM is not suitable for imaging EVs in solution under the experimentally intended conditions. Therefore, the researcher changed to another label-free microscopy technique (dark-field microscopy) and invented on the way a new simpler manufacturing process for nanofluidic confinement called NANOSPACER. Outcome: NANOSPACER in combination with dark-field became a powerful tool for various specimen and allowed sizing of EVs in solution down to 40 nm.
WP4(Combination of nanofluidic and DUVM): The researcher conducted DUVM measurements and found that DUVM is not optimal for imaging aggregation prone proteins in solution under the experimentally intended conditions. Therefore, the researcher changed to another label-free microscopy technique (dark-field microscopy) which made the observation of monomers, oligomers and fibrils in solution possible. Outcome: NANOSPACER in combination with dark-field became a powerful tool for detection of A-synuclein aggregates in solution and facilitates to run label-free aggregation assays in a scalable manner to test drugs and treatment against neurodegenerative diseases.
