Award Abstract #0619424
MRI: Acquisition of a Laser Scanning Multi-Photon Confocal Microscope to Investigate Structure and Dynamics of Soft Materials of Biological and Synthetic Origin

NSF Org:	DMR Division of Materials Research
Initial Amendment Date:	August 8, 2006
Latest Amendment Date:	August 8, 2006
Award Number:	0619424
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Charles E. Bouldin DMR Division of Materials Research MPS Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Start Date:	September 1, 2006
Expires:	August 31, 2009 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$518260
Investigator(s):	Mohammad Islam mohammad@andrew.cmu.edu (Principal Investigator) Krzysztof Matyjaszewski (Co-Principal Investigator) Philip LeDuc (Co-Principal Investigator) Jelena Kovacevic (Co-Principal Investigator) Shelley Anna (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Carnegie-Mellon University 5000 Forbes Avenue PITTSBURGH, PA 15213 412/268-8746
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):	0106000 Materials Research
Program Reference Code(s):	AMPP, 9161
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT

Technical Abstract

This proposal is for the acquisition of a laser scanning Multi-photon Confocal Microscopy Facility

(MCMF) that will support a core group of faculties at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) spanning eight

departments and two colleges. The MCMF facility will include a point-by-point standard and resonant

scanning module capable of acquiring images with high spatial and temporal resolutions, a multi-photon

system consists of Coherent Chameleon XR Ti-Sapphire pulsed laser, and a fluorescence lifetime imaging

microscopy (FLIM) module. Acquisition of a laser scanning multi-photon confocal microscope will fill a

void in the existing imaging facilities at CMU by providing experimental capabilities that include

fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and will have an

immediate impact in numerous established and nascent research projects of senior and junior faculties

investigating the structure and dynamics of soft materials. For example, MCMF will allow (a) direct

visualization of phase transitions, self-assembly, defect dynamics, and morphology evolution in synthetic

soft materials, (b) real-time imaging of cellular and sub-cellular localization of native and synthetic

macromolecules related to fundamental biological discovery and disease therapy in biological soft

materials, and (c) development of adaptive algorithms for efficient acquisition and analysis of complex

biological images. The MCMF will also offer a unique opportunity for integration into classroom

instruction and outreach activities by offering the possibility for students to gain direct, "hands-on"

experience with microscale and smaller systems including cells, macromolecules and microdevices. Our

goal is to use the proposed MCMF to bring together scattered and diverse researchers at CMU and local

industry who will exchange ideas and expertise while working in close proximity and as a potent catalyst

for nucleating new multi-disciplinary research and education.

Non-technical Abstract

Laser scanning multi-photon confocal microscopes allows for the imaging of microscopic objects and their

dynamics deep within a three dimensional sample with very little photo-damage. As a result, confocal

microscopes have become indispensable tools to perform state-of-the-art measurements in soft materials.

Visualizing the structure and dynamics of soft materials at the microscopic scale allows for better

understanding of their self-assembly and macroscopic properties. The proposed laser scanning Multiphoton

Confocal Microscopy Facility (MCMF) will enable an exciting array of diverse research across the

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) campus. For example, MCMF will enable the development of better

composite materials, increase the understanding of cellular mechanisms related to aging and embryonic

development, improve drug delivery studies, etc. We also plan to develop a course on Advanced

Microscopy for graduate and undergraduate students that would utilize the proposed facility. The highly

visual nature of the research and education enabled by the facility will attract and inspire undergraduates

and high-school students to high-level science by making complex ideas more tangible. Using the MCMF

we will develop age-appropriate modules intended to communicate concepts of visualization of microscale

systems via established outreach programs at CMU that target K-12 students and teachers particularly in

schools with large under-represented groups. The MCMF will also increase ties with industry, other

universities and the public.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.