Molecular imaging of live cells using hyperspectral darkfield microscopy

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Abstract

CBET-0651622 Wax The goal of this research is to develop a novel optical system for molecular imaging of live cells based on hyperspectral darkfield microscopy. In particular, the proposed approach is based on detecting surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of functionally labeled nanoparticles. The PI proposes to use particles tuned to specific spectral windows. Four species of nanoparticles will be synthesized. This will enable detection of a number of molecular targets simultaneously. Current nanoparticle-based imaging techniques detect the overall increase in scattered light due to nanoparticle binding, whereas the approach proposed here is based on the measurement of the spectral dependence of the scattering. These spectral properties depend on the local refractive index environment of a nanoparticle. Thus, spectral analysis of light scattered by the nanoparticles can be used not only to detect binding but also to sense changes in local environment.