The advent of super-resolution microscopy and novel modelling approaches provides us with a timely and unique opportunity to quantify and control the sensory response of particle-surfaces at the single-molecule level. Specifically, the emerging ability to quantify the particle’s chemical interface using super-resolution microscopy will open the window to rationally design sensitive, responsive, and selective sensors with quantitative functionality that can be compared to models, see the infographic on the front page. However, the field lacks the human capital that can oversee and bridge disciplines to effectively (a) control, (b) visualise and quantify, and (c) rationally design surface-functionality to advance particle-based biomedical applications. SuperCol will train the next generation of researchers to overcome this barrier and will develop e.g. super-selective biosensors for dengue and cholera, and responsive particles that allow biomolecules to be captured (e.g. inflammation markers)
and released (e.g. doxorubicin) on demand.
SuperCol will pursue the following 3 research objectives:
1. To extend super-resolution localisation to colloidal particles with different degrees of optically distorting properties (e.g. shape, size, and materials). We will develop data-driven models to retrieve the accurate position of a fluorescent label (WP-1).
2. Guided by super-resolution microscopy we will design protocols to control different surface chemistries and unravel how the chemical organisation on the interface can be controlled (WP-2).
3. To use our ability to image and control a particle’s chemical interface to develop particle-based biological assays with novel functionalities including high responsiveness and super-selectivity (WP-3).
The impact of SuperCol will be:
- There is an enormous demand for creative researchers that can design and develop materials for use in our everyday lives.
- By providing the missing link between structure and function SuperCol will enable the rational design of colloidal systems with tailored functionality.
- A major goal of this ETN is to serve as a spring-board to translate and commercialise the findings generated by the ESRs involved.
- A communication and dissemination plan is in place to increase publica awareness and introduce SuperCol research/innovation to students from secondary schools/universities to inspire a new generation.
The conclusions of the action are:
- super-resolution localisation can be effectively used on colloidal particles, provided that the deformations of the point-spread-function are properly accounted for. SuperCol has created and published software, methods, and experimental results to achieve this, thereby extending the application potential of localization microscopy to colloids.
- rational design of colloidal particles for biomedical applications requires knowledge of the chemical interface of the colloid at the molecular level. SuperCol has developed methods to quantify the surface chemical properties of colloids at the single-particle level. These methods combine chemical protocols for chemical functionalization, numerical modeling of the chemical interface, and single-molecule microscopy.
- SuperCol has trained the next generation of creative researchers that are trained in novel super-resolution microscopies and are capable of molecular thinking. This has been achieved by providing a training program at the interface of microscopy, surface chemistry, and applications that focused on both scientific and soft skills.
