superbright, photostabLe and mUlticolour novel fluoresCent mEtal quaNtum clusters for super-resoluTion imaging

Description du projet

De meilleurs marqueurs fluorescents pourraient permettre une imagerie à plus haute résolution à l’échelle nanométrique

La microscopie à super-résolution a révolutionné la biologie et la nanomédecine, permettant aux chercheurs de visualiser des structures synthétiques ou biologiques complexes à la résolution nanométrique. Les techniques de super-résolution reposent sur des marqueurs fluorescents dotés de propriétés spécifiques, telles que le photoswitching, la liaison réversible et l’émission stimulée. Malgré les progrès réalisés dans ce domaine, la mise au point de sondes fluorescentes présentant une forte luminosité, une photostabilité élevée et une faible toxicité constitue un véritable défi. Financé par le programme Actions Marie Skłodowska-Curie, le projet LUCENT entend combiner des stratégies de nanochimie et d’ingénierie de surface pour produire des clusters métalliques atomiques multicolores destinés à la microscopie à super-résolution. Les travaux du projet pourraient déboucher sur des images 3D multicolores en direct d’une résolution encore plus élevée – jusqu’au niveau moléculaire.

Objectif

The breakthrough of super resolution imaging has revolutionized biology and nanomedicine, allowing to visualize synthetic or biological structures with nanometric accuracy and providing a deeper understanding of complex molecular systems. The key idea at the basis of these methods is the use of novel fluorescent markers endowed with specific properties such as photoswitching, reversible binding, stimulated emission and single molecule imaging capabilities. In this emergent framework the fluorescent markers play a role as important as the optical setup utilized for imaging. Therefore, among the prerequisites for successful nanoscopic imaging the selection of the suitable fluorophore is essential. Despite the recent advances in the development of super-resolution microscopy techniques, fluorescent probes with high brightness, high photostability and low toxicity remains an unmet need. This proposal aims at developing ultrasmall photoluminescent atomic metal quantum clusters as new generation of advanced optical probes for super-resolution microscopy. To this purpose, we will apply a combination of property-designed nanochemistry routes and surface engineered strategies for producing multicolour atomic metal clusters that will provide novel model systems for single molecule imaging. The strategy will focus at three important levels: synthesis, biocompatibility and preliminary cellular imaging, application in super-resolution microscopy. The research activity here proposed could realistically lead to live, multicolour, three-dimensional images with an even higher resolution – down to the molecular level – with applications in biology and nanotechnology. To this end, LUCENT will employ a multidiscicplinary approach whose strength resides in the combination of the complementary expertise of the experienced researcher –design of new probes - and the host institution - nanoscopy.