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.
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.
