Project description
In vivo label-free nanoscopic imaging
Recent advances in optical imaging allow a nanoscopic level of resolution with the possibility to identify individual molecules in the biosamples. Until now, high resolution of nanoscopy was achieved by labelling the biomolecules with fluorescent probes altering their property and making them sometimes improper for medical applications. The EU-funded SPECIPHIC project introduces a totally novel approach for label-free nanoscopic imaging using the optical refractive index as a molecular sensor. The project is based on the observation that phase, intensity and polarisation information can be quantitatively retrieved with unprecedented sensitivity and with an imaging resolution equivalent to regular imaging with fluorescent probes. Implementation of this technology will enable an access to nanoscopic analysis inside intact live biological samples.
Objective
Optical microscopy has undergone a revolution that now allows us to access molecular resolution (“nanoscopy”) with the identification of specific biomolecules within biological samples. Nanoscopy has become a key approach to decipher the function of living matter since biomolecules are the elementary building blocks. While being a major tool, high-resolution and specificity can only be achieved by tagging the molecules of interest with fluorescent probes, which inevitably alters the samples, making them improper for medical applications including regenerative medicine. The leading dogmas being that (i) nanoscopy cannot be achieved without labelling and (ii) no specific signature from molecules can be retrieved without energy exchange with the sample (e.g. absorption by probes, molecular vibrational interaction).
I propose a complete change of paradigm by introducing label-free nanoscopic imaging using the optical refractive index as a molecular sensor. My ground-breaking approach will be based on our pioneering work which demonstrates that phase, intensity and polarisation information can be quantitatively retrieved with unprecedented sensitivity and with an imaging resolution equivalent to regular imaging with fluorescent probes. I will re-forge this into a single-shot imaging technique capable of beating the optical resolution limit to access nanoscale resolutions, even deep inside living unmodified biological samples. Specific molecular information will be untangled through machine learning algorithms. SPECIPHIC will give birth to the first label-free molecular specific imaging with nanoscale resolution in pristine living biological tissues.
The applicability of my concept will be demonstrated in this ERC starting project with applications in regenerative medicine and oncology, impacting thus directly important societal questions. My new approach will impact many other fields, in the biomedical world first but also in physics and for nanomaterial engineering.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules
- social sciences political sciences political transitions revolutions
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
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.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2019-STG
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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.
75794 PARIS
France
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.