NEAR FIELD OPTICAL POINT MEASUREMENTS ON LIVING CELLS

描述(改编自申请人的摘要)：我们对 神经元功能和突触传递的分子调控 是有限的，因为研究是使用高分辨率进行的 衍射极限范围内的分子遗传学研究 光学显微镜。为了增加对中枢神经系统功能的了解，它 至关重要的是，我们可以可视化微域的行为 生命系统中的分子甚至是单分子。近场 扫描光学显微镜(NSOM)使光学发生了革命性的变化 物理科学中的显微镜通过允许研究 具有可见光波长的单分子。最近， 申请者的合作者海顿博士已经对这些 仪器，并证明了它在生物学研究中的用途 生命系统的一部分。此第一阶段提案的目标是确定 研制亚油气田交钥匙仪表的可行性 活细胞的衍射分辨率。他们将开发和评估 最近推出的一种自动光子反馈(PDF)仪器 由爱荷华州立大学发明，实现亚衍射光学 活细胞研究的决议。更长期的目标 (第一阶段和第二阶段)是开发综合近场共焦 生物应用显微镜。

DESCRIPTION (Adapted from applicant's abstract): Our understanding of the molecular control of neuronal function and synaptic transmission is limited because studies are performed using high resolution molecular genetic approaches within the limits of diffraction limited optical microscopy. To increase the understanding of CNS function, it is essential that we can visualize the action of microdomains of molecules or even single molecules in living systems. Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM) has revolutionized optical microscopy in the physical sciences by permitting investigations of single molecules with visible wavelengths of light. Recently, the applicant's collaborator, Dr. Haydon, has made modifications to such instrumentation and has demonstrated its utility in biological studies of living systems. The goal of this Phase I proposal is to determine the feasibility of developing turn-key instrumentation for sub- diffraction resolution of living cells. They will develop and evaluate an automated photon feedback (PDF) instrument that was recently invented at Iowa State University, to achieve sub-diffraction optical resolution for studies of living cells. The longer term objective (Phases I and II) is to develop an integrated near-field confocal microscope for biological applications.