Acquisition of an integrated scanning probe, scanning laser, optical microscope

University Of Maryland, College Park, College Park MD

Investigators

Abstract

0132433 Lower This grant provides partial support for a state-of-the-art instrument that integrates optical micros-copy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and optical tweezers. It will be housed in the P.I.'s laboratory at the University of Maryland, where it will be a primary tool for the P.I.'s research programs in geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry, and nanoscale sci-ence. This instrument will be capable of collecting force measurements concurrent with optical observations as well as fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Further, it will allow the simul-taneous collection of atomic force microscopy (or scanning near-field optical microscopy) and laser scanning microscopy images. The applications of this instrument include for example: the study of fundamental intra- and inter-molecular forces between biomolecules on living cells and material surfaces (or other cells); identification of cell wall biomolecules which interact specifi-cally with particular minerals or cells; the study of the properties and localization of biomolecu-les on microbial surfaces; the study of mineral dissolution and growth including biomineraliza-tion; investigations of metal (or organic acid) sorption to mineral surfaces; the development of nanolithography techniques; and educational outreach. ***