Objective
Contemporary optical microscopy techniques are capable of imaging sub-wavelength (<400nm) structures. However, challenges such as phototoxicity, slow acquisition speeds, and difficulties in extending to 3D imaging have hindered their widespread adoption in live-cell studies. Light field microscopy (LFM) allows 3D imaging of biological samples with a single snapshot, reducing phototoxicity and allowing fast imaging of whole live cells. Recent breakthroughs have demonstrated single-molecule LFM with sub-100nm resolution, offering a straightforward optical design that holds immense promise for integrating complementary methods to study real-time dynamics in live cells without causing damage.
3DNanoScope4All will develop and formalise a highly accessible, high-performance device for live cell nanoscopy. For that, three novel, yet robust, techniques will be merged in a single device: (i) LFM as the core technique, (ii) 3D-SRRF, facilitating high-resolution, rapid measurements and (iii) single-molecule orientation microscopy, providing spectroscopic insights into 3D molecular order. The combination of these cutting-edge technologies will enable both structural and dynamic measurements of live cells in a powerful yet affordable device.
After validation, this nanoscope will be used to reveal previously poorly understood processes involved in the dynamics between viral particles (120nm) and cell membrane interactions during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. These advancements will not only broaden the current understanding of HIV infection but also pave the way for future research based on super-resolution microscopy techniques applied to other host-pathogen interactions.
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Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
1067-001 LISBOA
Portugal