|
In addition to our microscopy system we also have many associated systems. For example, we have two microinjectors and a full facility for micropipette manufacturing. This allows us to expose cells to nanomaterials by injection versus by cellular mediated uptake. Also, we have parallel plate flow chambers which allow us to mimic physiological shear conditions to predict efficacy of nanomaterial delivery through the vasculature. |
|
Biophysical manipulation: |
|
Currently we have adapted our microscopy, with low magnification and automation, to image a large visual set of data to determine better statistics for cell death and proliferation. |
|
Analysis of cell death and proliferation: |
|
Current Capabilities |
|
Using an automated inverted fluorescence microscopy system with live cell environmental chamber (in an appropriately designated BSL-2 facility) we observe cells exposed to nanomaterial for changes in cell death, apoptosis, morphology and proliferation. We also examine more subtle changes in cellular behavior shown to be affected by nanomaterials such as changes in actin structure and focal adhesion production. |
|
Visualization of focal adhesion complexes. Cells can be transfected with GFP-paxillin and imaged live (above) or transfected with GFP-vinculin, fixed and labeled with rhodamine phalloidin, in red, to show actin fibers (below). |
Applied Technologies |
|
High resolution examination of cellular localization: |
|
SCINT — CMU |
|
Sub-Cellular Interactions with Nanomaterial Technologies |
|
For an updated gallery of results, click here. |