Engineering Research Equipment Grant: Optical Systems for Microprobe Research

固定细胞所处的环境与自由细胞截然不同，这可能会改变它们的代谢行为。由于实验技术在微观尺度上的局限性，对这种微环境效应的研究受到了限制。Microprobles和microoptodes将用于测量固定细胞附近的氧化还原电位和重要细胞代谢物的浓度。为了促进探针的开发，将需要一台1500倍立体显微镜和一台具有光纤输入/输出能力的单色仪。这些新的微探针将提供新的研究能力，这将显著扩大对固定化细胞系统的研究范围。

Immobilized cells are in an environment which is drastically different from that of free cells, and this is likely to change their metabolic behavior. Studies on this microenvironmental effect have been constrained by the limitations of experimental techniques on a micro-scale. Microprobles and Micro-optodes will be developed for measuring redox potential and the concentrations of important cellular metabolities in the immediate vicinity of the immobilized cells. A 1500X stereomicroscope and a monochromator with optical fiber input/output capabiliity will be required to facilitate the development of the probes. These new microprobes will provide new research capabilities, which will signficantly expand the scope of investigation into the immobilized cell systems.