Objective
The present proposal is designed as preparatory phase in view of the participation of EuroPhoton Ltd. and Lambda Ltd. in an RTD project, i.e. an envisaged demonstration project with title "Two- and Tree-Dimensional Subnanosecond Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Subcellular Structures", to be submitted in September 95, in Area 6.1.2 of ù Biotechnology. Potential par to be convinced are: Prof. J. Bereiter-Hahn (Frankfurt, DE), Prof M. Robert-Nicoud (Grenoble, FR), Prof. J. Coppey (Paris, FR), Prof. D. Phillips (London, GB), Prof. S. Schneider (Erlangen, DE), a SME electronics company (DE), and one of the established microscope manufacturers, such as Zeiss or Leica. The aim of the present study is the construction of a 2D prototype, in order to demonstrate the usefulness of (sub)nanosecond time information in cell-biological fluorescence microscope studies.
Fluorescence dynamics will be acquired by applying time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) spectroscopy, a well established method for the acquisition - of fluorescence dynamics on the (sub)nanosecond time-scale of very weakly emitting sources, distinguished by its unsurpassed dynamic range. A recent advance in micro-channel plate (MCP)-PMT technology, i.e. the introduction of a delay-line (DL) anode, resulted in the exciting possibility of simultaneous acquisition of time and space information, i.e. in timeand space-correlated single photon counting (TSCSPC) spectroscopy, at temporal and spatial IRFs characterised by FWHM of 80 ps and 100 ,um, respectively, at 200 space channels along the x-axis. By scanning the exciting laser beam along the y-axis, a 2D lifetime imaging device will result. Due to the inherent advantages of the DL principle, the capacity of acquiring photons is about 200 times larger than with standard, single-channel MCP-PMTs, at full preservation of confocality, by simply replacing the observing confocal pinhole by a confocal slit. Superposition of lifetime image and standard CCD image will result in enhanced contrast and depth of information.
Due to the necessary use of pulsed, high-repetition rate lasers with their specific wavelengths, novel dyes have to be developed that are adjusted to laser lines and repetition rates, i.e. absorption maxima and fluorescence lifetimes have to be tailor-made.
Energy transfer, collisional quenching, rotation of the fluorescent probe, intercalation or association of probe with DNA has profound impact on fluorescence lifetime. Observation of prompt or delayed luminescence kinetics in context with fluorescence in-situ hybridisation, will give new impetus to genome cartography. Due to the utilisation of the time domain as additional carrier of information, a new horizon will open to look at elasticity of DNA, association of DNA with dyes and drugs, or macromolecular association within the cytoplasm of living cells. Thus, fluorescence lifetime constitutes a further source of information in cellular biology, and affords a new tool for the investigation of macromolecular complexes in their natural environment.
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 genetics DNA
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy fluorescence lifetime imaging
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
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.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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.
Coordinator
12247 Berlin
Germany
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.