Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics
From BTRR
Overview
Biological fluorescence spectroscopy has been undergoing a transition from studies of extracted biomolecules—such as proteins, nucleic acid polymers, lipid assemblies, and other more complex systems in large-volume cuvettes—to microscopic samples with an ultimate resolution at the single-molecule level. In this environment, the research emphasis of the Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics is geared toward the development of technologies that facilitate the transition to microscope-based systems. The confluence of multiphoton laser excitation techniques and fluorescence microscopy applications has led to rapid advances in imaging techniques as well as in related methods, such as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). FCS offers high spatial resolution and observation of motional dynamics in single molecules identified from correlation functions or photon-counting histogram analysis methods. Other research areas include fluorescence in turbid media (such as tissue), global analysis software that allows tests of models (such as quenching, lifetime heterogeneity, and energy transfer), and interferometry.
Current Research
New methods and instrumentation to study cellular structure and function; imaging of tissue, particularly skin; and macromolecular dynamics and interactions. Examples of cellular studies include green fluorescent protein (GFP)-conjugates, receptor (high-density lipoprotein) function, ion distribution, and photosynthesis in algae. Other studies relate to membrane fluidity and domains (in large unilamellar vesicles), membrane-associated enzymes, protein-lipid interactions, protein folding, DNA-protein interactions, and vascular injury. Monitoring of physiologic function of tissue, based on variations in spectroscopic properties (such as fluorescence lifetime-based detection in medical endoscopy).
