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Intramural Research Program (IRP)
Contents
Introduction
The mission of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) is to improve health by leading the development of biomedical technologies and accelerating their application. The NIBIB encourages the integration of the physical sciences and the life sciences to advance human health by improving quality of life and reducing the burden of disease.
The NIBIB's Intramural Research Program (IRP), based in Bethesda, Maryland, has expertise that spans technologies ranging in scale from near atomic resolution to intact organisms.
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Current Research
The IRP's research often involves collaboration with other NIH Institutes, other Government agencies, academia and industry. Program areas include:
- The purpose of the Supramolecular Structure and Function Program is to determine the shape, organization, and three-dimensional structure of macromolecular assemblies and the chemical composition of cellular organelles; and to relate structure to function at the subcellular and molecular level. Methods include quantitative, high-resolution electron microscopy, electron tomography, nanoscale spectroscopic imaging, and novel labeling techniques.
- The purpose of the Dynamics of Protein Assembly Program is to develop biophysical methods to characterize macromolecules and their reversible interactions, including elucidating the relationship between protein structure and function, and the assembly of multi-protein complexes and molecular machines. Methods include analytical ultracentrifugation, surface plasmon resonance biosensing, photon correlation spectroscopy, isothermal titration and differential scanning microcalorimetry, and circular dichroism.
- The purpose of the Complex Biological Systems Program is to develop novel instrumentation and mathematical models for improved understanding of complex biological systems at the nanoscale. Methods include high-resolution atomic force microscopy under physiological conditions with sensitive force measurements and mathematical modeling, optical and laser technologies, fluorescence and optical spectroscopy, and application of novel reporter molecules.
- The purpose of the Immunochemical Nanoscale Analysis and Diagnostics Program is to develop new technologies, including real-time, minimally-invasive, microdialysis techniques and "lab-on-a-chip" microfluidic immunoassays for the identification of biomolecules. Methods include microfabrication, laser-induced fluorescence detection, measurement of analytes at sub-femtogram levels, mass spectrometry, time-resolved fluorescence, chromatographic analysis of protein expression and secretion from single cells.
- The purpose of the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Radiochemistry Program is to develop radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography, which enable in vivo imaging of biochemical processes. Design of new radioligands for PET can improve understanding of disease and lead to development of new therapeutic drugs. Methods include radiolabeling, chemical synthesis, chemical analysis, and pre-clinical studies using in vitro and in vivo techniques.
- The purpose of the Pharmacokinetics and Drug Delivery Program is to model and improve delivery of drugs, including macromolecules, to targeted tissues in both animals and humans; and to model the anatomical distribution of endogenous metabolites and environmental contaminants. Methods include estimation of dose response, toxicity, diffusion, fluid flow, convection, and interactions with cellular receptors.
- The purpose of the Non-Invasive Optical Imaging Program is to develop real-time, non-invasive methods for evaluating and monitoring tissues and organs, with applications to cancer diagnosis and monitoring the viability of kidneys destined for transplantation. Methods include optical subsurface imaging of fluorophores, as well as sensitive infrared imaging of thermal gradients in tissues.
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Training Opportunities
The NIBIB's IRP offers training opportunities at several educational levels, including nationwide competitions for the Biomedical Engineering Summer Internship Program (for undergraduates completing their junior year in a bioengineering program, http://www.nibib.nih.gov/Training/UndergradGrad/besip/home) and the NRC Research Associateship Program (a joint NIH/NIST program for postdoctoral students, http://www.training.nih.gov/postdoctoral/nist.asp).
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NIBIB Contact
Dr. Richard Leapman
Scientific Director
Intramural Research Program
Telephone: 301-496-2599
leapmanr@mail.nih.gov
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