Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscope (TIRF)

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Cellular membranes separate cells from the environment and allow for compartmentalization of different cellular processes inside cells. A detailed understanding of biological membranes requires analysis of the localization and dynamics of molecules and processes in a live cell and on isolated molecular systems under well-defined incubation conditions with high time resolution. Compared to conventional microscopy, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in combination provides higher-contrast images of fluorophore-labelled molecules near the plasma membrane, on membrane preparations and on immobilized membrane proteins. Simultaneous detection of multiple fluorescences allows for a detailed characterization of membrane processes, which is not achievable with the current microscope setups at the Ruhr University Bochum. Implementation of this microscope will be instrumental to stimulate the scientific exchange, to increase the number of joined research projects and to improve acquisition of third-party funds.