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

原子力显微镜(AFM)可以横向分辨率为2纳米，垂直分辨率为0.2纳米的样品成像，还可以测量极小的力(从100皮牛顿到1微牛顿)。激光镊子将这一作用力范围扩大到1皮牛顿以下，还允许在50纳米的长度尺度上操纵物体。荧光显微镜允许对荧光标记分子进行成像，除了它们的典型应用外，还将用于确保使用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。该仪器组合将用于各种实验，包括：1)基于卷曲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马达蛋白提取的影响4)表征DNA中电子转移的基础实验。在国家科学基金的支持下，将购买一台原子力显微镜、一台荧光光学显微镜和一台激光镊子工作站，并将其组合成一台具有强大成像、操作和测力能力的仪器。该仪器将是第一个使用商业组件整合这三种技术的仪器，应该会为其他研究人员铺平道路。还将购买隔振、温度调节和微吸管形成的辅助设备，所有这些都是最佳性能和测力所必需的。哈弗福德学院坚定地致力于在本科生的教育中做到卓越。每年至少有四名毕业生将使用这种组合仪器进行高级研究项目。这项工作的跨学科性质将在学生之间以及他们的导师之间引发令人兴奋的互动。

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.