Development of a light detection system for enhanced scanning electron microscopy imaging of fully hydrated biological specimens at room temperature.

Funding: 2005: $35,460
2006: $75,413
2007: $77,905
2008: $38,953

Project Member(s): Phillips, M., Toth, M.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Linkage Projects)
FEI Company

Start year: 2006

Summary: This project aims to develop instrumentation and techniques to image fully hydrated cellS for prolonged periods at room temperature in an environmental scanning electron microscope. Multiple fluorescent nano-particle labels will be used to image complex cellular structure and dynamics at ultra high spatial resolution. This innovative bio-imaging technique will be facilitated by the construction of a high speed light collection system that can efficiently operate at the pressures required to stablise water within the cell. Applications for this new bio-imaging technique will also be explored

Keywords: Bioimaging, Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy, Nanoparticle labelling, Biotechnology,

FOR Codes: Scientific instrumentation, Instrumentation not elsewhere classified, Environmental Biotechnology not elsewhere classified, Nanotechnology not elsewhere classified, Condensed Matter Physics, Scientific Instruments

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.