Description du projet
Les microscopes de demain
La microscopie optique laser est une méthode puissante de génération d’images haute résolution par balayage laser. La détection et la quantification des biomolécules tissulaires en microscopie s’effectuent par la coloration d’échantillons, ce qui peut créer des artefacts. L’objectif principal du projet MUSIQ, financé par l’UE, est de développer la prochaine génération de microscopes optiques dotés d’une capacité d’imagerie quantitative au niveau de la cellule unique. Le projet a recruté des chercheurs en début de carrière pour travailler sur l’incorporation de la spectroscopie et des modalités de diffusion Raman cohérentes qui permettent l’imagerie optique de biomolécules sans nécessiter de marquage.
Objectif
In the quest to decipher the chain of life from molecules to cells, the biophysical questions being asked increasingly demand techniques that are capable of identifying specific biomolecules in their native environment at the smallest possible scale, and measuring their interactions quantitatively without perturbing the system under observation. Laser-based optical microscopy is a key technology to drive this progress in the 21st century. Still, many challenges remain in particular toward i) achieving imaging with biomolecular specificity without the artefacts from sample staining, ii) quantitative imaging, and iii) single molecule sensitivity. Progress toward biomolecular specificity at very high temporal resolution has been brought by the development of ultrafast two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, able to address the importance of quantum coherences with the potential to unravel the fundamental machinery of Nature. Yet, measuring quantum phenomena with an optical microscope is technically challenging, and far from real-world biological applications. MUSIQ is designed as an innovative research and training network, where we will recruit 15 Early Stage Researchers to work toward the central ambitious goal of developing the next-generation optical microscopy exploiting quantum coherent nonlinear phenomena. The network brings together a unique team of 7 world-leading academics and 6 high tech companies at the forefront of optical microscopy and ultrafast laser technology developments merged with fundamental understanding of coherent light-matter interaction phenomena, development of quantitative image analysis tools, and biomedical/pharmaceutical real-world applications. MUSIQ will establish an intersectoral training and research programme at the physics/chemistry/life science interface with partners from 9 European countries, aimed at creating the next generation of skilled well-connected scientists that will pioneer the ‘quantum microscopes of tomorrow’.
Champ scientifique
Mots‑clés
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)Coordinateur
CF24 0DE Cardiff
Royaume-Uni