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

获得重大研究仪器(MRI)项目的这一奖项后，来自东北伊利诺伊大学的Kenneth Nicholson教授及其同事Stefan Tsonchev和Emina Stojkovic将获得纳米显微镜控制站和软件包，这些控制站和软件包将被添加到扫描探针显微镜(SPM)中，该机构已经具备了电化学功能。该建议旨在加强各级的研究、培训和教育，特别是在下列领域：(A)水介质中细菌光敏色素(BPHS)的结构，包括野生型和荧光突变体在各自的光和暗适应状态下的结构；(B)粘细菌中子实体形成的地形和机制，特别是BPHS在Stigmatella aurantiaca中的启动；以及(C)探索BPHS作为薄膜的生物传感能力。该奖项将提供一个控制站，使扫描探针显微镜能够操作，并提供纳米级的分辨率。扫描探针显微镜(SPM)已经成为研究包括生物标本在内的物种在表面的粘附性的一种基本分析技术。所获得的数据提供了对吸附物的物理结构及其性质的洞察。应用很多，例如在开发生物传感设备或高效光伏电池方面。这项收购将使东北伊利诺伊大学的教职员工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系表面化学和动力学课程以及与教师导师在纳米科学领域日益重要的领域的独立研究项目，接受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.