NSF-MRI: Acquisition of a Controller and Software for Scanning Probe Microscopy

通过这项来自主要研究仪器（MRI）项目的奖励，来自东北伊利诺伊大学的Kenneth Nicholson教授和他的同事Stefan Tsonchev和Emina Stojkovic将获得一个纳米显微镜控制站和软件包，并将其添加到具有电化学能力的扫描探针显微镜（SPM）中。该提案旨在加强各级的研究培训和教育，特别是在以下领域：(a)水介质中细菌色素（Bphs）的结构，包括野生型和荧光突变变体在各自的光适应和暗适应状态；(b)金刺茅（stimatella aurantiaca）中Bphs引发的黏菌子实体形成的地形和机制；(c)探索Bphs作为薄膜的生物传感能力。该合同将提供一个控制站，以实现扫描探针显微镜的操作，并提供纳米尺度的分辨率。扫描探针显微镜（SPM）已成为研究物种（包括生物标本）在表面粘附性的基本分析技术。所获得的数据提供了对吸附剂的物理结构及其性质的见解。应用广泛，例如开发生物传感装置或高效光伏电池。此次收购将使东北伊利诺伊大学的教师和本科生能够对最先进的仪器进行研究。学生将通过新开发的跨部门表面化学和动力学课程，以及在纳米科学领域日益重要的领域与教师导师的独立研究项目，获得关于最先进仪器的宝贵的多学科研究培训。

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program, Professor Kenneth Nicholson from Northeastern Illinois University and colleagues Stefan Tsonchev and Emina Stojkovic will acquire a nanoscope control station and software package to be added to a scanning probe microscope (SPM) with electrochemical capabilities already present at this institution. The proposal is aimed at enhancing research training and education at all levels, especially in areas such as (a) structure of bacteriophytochromes (Bphs) in aqueous media, both wild-type and fluorescent mutant variants in their respective light- and dark-adapted states; (b) topography and mechanism of fruiting body formation in myxobacteria, specifically initiated by Bphs in Stigmatella aurantiaca; and (c) exploration the biosensing capabilities of Bphs as thin films.This award will provide a control station to enable operation of a scanning probe microscope and to provide resolution at the nanometer scale. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has become a fundamental analytical technique to investigate adherence of species, including biological specimens, on a surface. The data which is obtained provides insights on the physical structure of the adsorbates and their properties. Applications are numerous, for example in developing biosensing devices or efficient photovoltaivc cells. This acquisition will enable faculty and undergraduate students at Northeastern Illinois University to carry out research on state-of-the-art instrumentation. Students will receive invaluable multidisciplinary research training on state-of-the-art instrumentation through a newly developed cross-department surface chemistry and dynamics course as well as independent research projects with faculty mentors in areas of growing in importance in the field of nanoscience.