Automation of Correlative Optical Tweezers-Fluorescence Microscopy Experiments

Projektinformationen

CTFMAUTOMATION

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 739831

DOI

10.3030/739831

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 1 März 2017

Startdatum 1 September 2017

Enddatum 31 August 2018

Finanziert unter

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Gesamtkosten

€ 83 750,00

EU-Beitrag

€ 83 750,00

Koordiniert durch

LUMICKS BV
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CTFMAUTOMATION (Automation of Correlative Optical Tweezers-Fluorescence Microscopy Experiments)

Berichtszeitraum: 2017-09-01 bis 2018-08-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

Dynamical molecular processes lie at the basis of life and disease. The ability to manipulate and observe single molecule processes in real-time is crucial for our understanding of these complex molecular processes. Lumicks has brought to market the C-Trap: the first an instrument that enables simultaneous manipulation, force measurement and imaging of complex single molecule behavior. This instrument is used for breakthrough science in over 20 institutes worldwide. At the start of the CTFMAUTOMATION project expert biophysical knowledge was required to successfully operate the C-Trap and to interpret the experimental data.
The objectives of the project where to greatly simplify the operation of the instrument by the development of automated procedures for calibration, alignment, performance monitoring and standard experiments. The project has helped us to achieve high levels of automation and greatly improved ease-of-use. This has contributed greatly to our mission of unlocking single-molecule measurements so that they can be used by a much wider audience of biologists and pharmaceutical companies.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

During the project the associate has developed many protocols and prototype implementations for automated alignment and calibration of the C-Trap. This has resulted in more robust and easier operation of the C-Trap. Most of the developments have rolled directly into our new Bluelake C-Trap control software platform. The project has lead to: easier alignment of force detection optics, better spatial correlation between trap position and fluorescence images, easier force calibration, easier flow cell navigation, more accurate power control, automated alignment monitoring. Next to automated alignment and calibration the project has also focussed on automation of experiments. We now have the ability to perform a full single molecule experiment consisting of catching a molecule, aligning the fluorescence imaging, stretching to desired force and recording fluorescence images without user intervention. The feedback we received from customers on the improved ease of use and the automation capabilities has been extremely positive.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

The project has enabled LUMICKS to be the first company to sell user-friendly instruments that can perform fully automated single molecule manipulation and imaging experiments. By unlocking the broader biology and pharma markets our instruments will lead to highly impactful advances in both fundamental and pharmaceutical research.

C-Trap instrument

Bluelake user interface during fully scripted experiment