This grant provides partial support for a state-of-the-art instrument that integrates optical micros-copy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and optical tweezers. It will be housed in the P.I.'s laboratory at the Ohio State University, where it will be a primary tool for the P.I.'s research programs in geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry, and nanoscale sci-ence. This instrument will be capable of collecting force measurements concurrent with optical observations as well as fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Further, it will allow the simultaneous collection of atomic force microscopy (or scanning near-field optical microscopy) and laser scanning microscopy images. The applications of this instrument include for example: the study of fundamental intra- and inter-molecular forces between biomolecules on living cells and material surfaces (or other cells); identification of cell wall biomolecules which interact specifically with particular minerals or cells; the study of the properties and localization of biomolecules on microbial surfaces; the study of mineral dissolution and growth including biomineralization; investigations of metal (or organic acid) sorption to mineral surfaces; the development of nanolithography techniques; and educational outreach.
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