Project description
Harnessing non-linear inverse scattering for unprecedented resolution imaging at the nanoscale
Optical nanoscopy without photobleaching and photochemical toxicity of fluorescence labels and with 3D morphological resolution of less than 50 nm represents a new horizon in live-cell imaging. The goal of the EU-funded 3D-nanoMorph project is to achieve isotropic 3D resolution of less than 50 nm by performing non-linear inverse scattering between sub-cellular structures, such as organelles. This innovative project approach devises complementary roles of the light measurement system and computational nanoscopy algorithm. The pilot study will involve organelle autophagy in live cancer cells over an extended period with high spatio-temporal resolution. Successful 3D mapping of this nanoscale process will provide proof of applicability of the 3D-nanoMorph nanoscopy for a broad spectrum of applications.
Objective
Label-free optical nanoscopy, free from photobleaching and photochemical toxicity of fluorescence labels and yielding 3D morphological resolution of <50 nm, is the future of live cell imaging. 3D-nanoMorph breaks the diffraction barrier and shifts the paradigm in label-free nanoscopy, providing isotropic 3D resolution of <50 nm. To achieve this, 3D-nanoMorph performs non-linear inverse scattering for the first time in nanoscopy and decodes scattering between sub-cellular structures (organelles).
3D-nanoMorph innovatively devises complementary roles of light measurement system and computational nanoscopy algorithm. A novel illumination system and a novel light collection system together enable measurement of only the most relevant intensity component and create a fresh perspective about label-free measurements. A new computational nanoscopy approach employs non-linear inverse scattering. Harnessing non-linear inverse scattering for resolution enhancement in nanoscopy opens new possibilities in label-free 3D nanoscopy.
I will apply 3D-nanoMorph to study organelle degradation (autophagy) in live cancer cells over extended duration with high spatial and temporal resolution, presently limited by the lack of high-resolution label-free 3D morphological nanoscopy. Successful 3D mapping of nanoscale biological process of autophagy will open new avenues for cancer treatment and showcase 3D-nanoMorph for wider applications.
My cross-disciplinary expertise of 14 years spanning inverse problems, electromagnetism, optical microscopy, integrated optics and live cell nanoscopy paves path for successful implementation of 3D-nanoMorph.
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Funding Scheme
ERC-STG - Starting GrantHost institution
9019 Tromso
Norway