Projects

Research projects:

the page is under construction

Courses for MSc students:

- Imaging in Biology Course instructor: Dr. Dmitry Artamonov

The course will outline and compare different optical microscopy techniques and super-resolution imaging in biomedical research. Topics also include clearing agents and techniques, optical imaging of brain activity in vivo using genetically encoded probes, immediate early gene mapping, intravital imaging, applications for functional analyses of neuronal circuits. The course aims to teach students to understand basic principles of the current imaging techniques, microscope design, and image formation. The course will also offer laboratory practice in sample preparation, confocal imaging, and image analysis. Students will learn how to choose the most appropriate imaging method for their own research project.

 

MSc students studying confocal microscopy and sample preparation at a classroom and Bioimaging and Spectroscopy core facility

 

Physics of colloids and phase boundaries Course instructor: Prof. Dmitry Gorin

Interface science is the basis for modern nanotechnology. Objects of the microworld are dominated by surface effects rather than gravitation and inertia. The applications of interface science are important for lab-on-chip technologies, microfluidics, biochips, tissue engineering, biophotonics, theranostics. The modern interface science is a good example of interdisciplinarity. Interface science has become a really interdisciplinary field of research including physics, biology, chemical engineering, medicine. During this course the students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also receive practical skills related to 1) surface tension measurements; 2) nanoparticle characterization by dynamic light scattering method for determination of size and Z-potential of nanoparticles; 3) measurement of size and concentration of nanoparticles by NTA (Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis);
4) synthesis of calcium carbonate cores at the micron- and submicron size and loading of calcium carbonate particles by inorganic nanoparticles and proteins; 5) fabrication of polymer and nanocomposite microcapsule shells by the Layer by Layer assembly approach; 6) surface potential measurement. They will receive a knowledge that can be used for the analysis of phenomena in the microworld from point of view of interface science.

Biomedical applications of photonics Course instructor: Prof. Dmitry Gorin

The overview of the current state of photonics application in biology and medicine will be presented including optical properties of a cell, biological tissue, body (absorption, reflection, scattering, fluorescence). Now the photonic tools are used for imaging, diagnostics, manipulation, therapy, and surgery at three different levels – cellular, tissue, and body, therefore the course aims to teach students to understand basic principles of the current biomedical applications of photonics tools. Every level is required to apply a different approach, for example for cellular-level imaging, manipulation, Confocal LS Microscopy (including the technology of quotative analysis as FRAP, photoconversion, FLIP, FLAP, FRET, FLIM, FCS, FCCS), darkfield microscopy; optical tweezers approach, laser cell poration; for diagnostics – Raman microscopy, CARS, in vitro and in vivo fluorescent flow cytometry, in vivo flow photoacoustic (PA) cytometry; and for therapy – laser-induced necrosis and apoptosis; in vivo flow PA setup for theranostics are used. Tissue level requires imaging, multiphoton microscopy, SHG and THG microscopy, OCT, raster-scan optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM); for manipulation – laser 3D printing, laser skin perforation. Body level includes for imaging – OCT, MRI, CT, MRI, fluorescence and optoacoustic imaging, US, PET; for diagnostics – different types of in vivo sensors including implantable medical devices, smart tattoo; for therapy – photodynamic and photothermal therapy; for surgery – photonic approach guided surgery including endoscopy, high speed surgery with the highest resolution. Topics also include description of different types of contrast and optical clearing agents. The course will also offer a practice in operation of imaging systems on the cell, tissue and body level such as fluorescent microscopy, RSOM, fluorescence imaging. Students will have experience related to application the most appropriate photonic tools for their own research projects.