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Label-free 3D morphological nanoscopy for studying sub-cellular dynamics in live cancer cells with high spatio-temporal resolution

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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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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ERC-STG - Starting Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2018-STG

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Host institution

UNIVERSITETET I TROMSOE - NORGES ARKTISKE UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 499 999,00
Address
HANSINE HANSENS VEG 14
9019 Tromso
Norway

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 499 999,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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