RUI: Advanced Microscopy and Manipulation Cluster for Biological and Biophysical Studies

RUI：用于生物和生物物理研究的先进显微镜和操作集群

• 批准号: 0070361
• 负责人: Walter Smith
• 金额: $ 16.93万
• 依托单位: Haverford College
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2000
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2000-07-01 至 2002-06-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0070361&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: RUI; Advanced; Microscopy; Manipulation; Cluster

The atomic force microscope (AFM) can image samples with a resolution of 2 nanometers laterally and 0.2 nanometers vertically, and can also measure extremely small forces (from 100 piconewtons up to 1 micronewton). Laser tweezers extend this force range below 1 piconewton and also allow manipulation of objects on length scales of 50 nanometers. A fluorescence microscope permits imaging of fluorescent tagging molecules, which, in addition to their typical applications, will be used to insure that the objects being studied with AFM and laser tweezers are indeed those of interest, rather than artifacts or contamination. This instrument cluster will be used for a variety of experiments including:1) the study of novel self-assembling biomaterials based on the coiled-coil protein folding motif 2) the response of both mature and immature T lymphocyte cells to infected cells3) the effect of naturally-occurring modifications of the microtubule surface on motor protein traction4) basic experiments to characterize electron transfer in DNA. With support from the National Science Foundation, an atomic force microscope, a fluorescence optical microscope, and a laser tweezers workstation will be purchased and combined into a single instrument with powerful imaging, manipulation, and force measurement capabilities. The instrument will be the first to integrate these three technologies using commercial components, and should pave the way for other researchers. Auxiliary equipment for vibration isolation, temperature regulation, and the formation of micropipettes, all of which are required for optimal performance and for the force measurements, will also be purchased. Haverford College has a strong commitment to excellence in the education of undergraduates. At least four graduating students per year will use this instrument cluster for a senior research project. The interdisciplinary nature of the work will spark exciting interactions between the students and also between their mentors.

原子力显微镜（AFM）可以以2纳米的横向分辨率和0.2纳米的垂直分辨率对样品进行成像，也可以测量极小的力（从100微微牛顿到1微牛顿）。 激光镊子将这种力的范围扩展到1皮牛顿以下，并且还允许在50纳米的长度尺度上操纵物体。 荧光显微镜允许荧光标记分子的成像，除了它们的典型应用外，还将用于确保用AFM和激光镊子研究的对象确实是感兴趣的对象，而不是人工制品或污染物。 该仪器组将用于各种实验，包括：1）基于卷曲螺旋蛋白质折叠基序的新型自组装生物材料的研究2）成熟和未成熟T淋巴细胞对感染细胞的反应3）微管表面自然发生的修饰对运动蛋白牵引的影响4）表征DNA中电子转移的基本实验。 在国家科学基金会的支持下，将购买原子力显微镜，荧光光学显微镜和激光镊子工作站，并将其组合成一个具有强大成像，操作和力测量能力的单一仪器。 该仪器将是第一个使用商业组件集成这三种技术的仪器，并应为其他研究人员铺平道路。 还将购买用于振动隔离、温度调节和微量移液器成型的辅助设备，所有这些都是最佳性能和力测量所需的。 哈弗福德学院对本科生教育的卓越性有着坚定的承诺。 每年至少有四名毕业生将使用该仪器组进行高级研究项目。 这项工作的跨学科性质将激发学生之间以及他们的导师之间令人兴奋的互动。