Next Generation Label-free Chemical Nanoscopy for Biomedical Applications

Project Information

NanoChemBioVision

Grant agreement ID: 638258

DOI

10.3030/638258

Project closed

EC signature date 9 March 2015

Start date 1 April 2015

End date 31 March 2020

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 1 916 076,00

EU contribution

€ 1 916 076,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 4 - NanoChemBioVision (Next Generation Label-free Chemical Nanoscopy for Biomedical Applications)

Reporting period: 2019-10-01 to 2020-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The project aims achieve super-resolution label-free chemically selective imaging and its biomedical application. Biological processes inside cells including infections (by virus and bacteria) as well neuronal transport, which is key to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, occur at sub-cellular organelle level. Hence, being able to image these processes is vital in order to understand them and develop better therapeutics. However, imaging at this level (sub-100 nm) is not possible currently without killing the cells or without interfering with the natural processes, that is non-destructively and non-invasively, and with knowing the molecular/chemical identity of what is being imaged. This is a significant challenge but a successful outcome will be transformative for biological research, understanding diseases and developing therapeutics. The overall objectives in the project are to develop methodologies for super-resolution that will work with vibrational imaging techniques. Therefore this involves establishing a cutting edge multimodal bioimaging platform capable of performing vibrational imaging techniques, implementing the super-resolution methodologies with the imaging techniques and show proof-of-concept application of the novel technology in the area of neuroscience.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In this reporting period, novel super-resolution methodologies, that is, algorithms have been developed and a world-leading multimodal imaging platform capable of performing vibrational imaging techniques has been established. Biomedical imaging capability of the system including preliminary testing on neurons has been carried out. The foundations for the project have thus been laid and now the combination of super-resolution with the label-free vibrational imaging techniques will be carried out.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The super-resolution methodologies are based on novel algorithms, which are already progress beyond the state-of-the-art. A world-leading multimodal imaging platform has been established which by incorporating the proposed super-resolution methodologies will be significantly push the boundaries much beyond the current state-of-the-art. Label-free super-resolution techniques which identify chemicals simply do not exist at the moment. Undoubtedly, therefore any demonstration of their application in biology and medicine will further push boundaries and will be transformative.

Multifrequency CARS image of neuronal cells

Multimodal vibrational images of tissue with new setup built in the project