Advanced fluorescence microscopy to understand the interactions between bacteria and nanomaterials

RESEARCH PROGRAMME

P3: Nanotechnology for healthcare

PhD PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The aim of this project is to develop fluorescence microscopy tools to study the boundary between living systems and synthetic materials. The project will explore the physical interactions between bacteria and a range of materials, such as hydrogels, biocompatible adhesives or nanofabricated surface topographies. The availability these novel tools will enhance our understanding of biointerface phenomena, such as mechano-bactericidal mechanisms of action or bacterial encapsulation in engineered living materials. The project will have an emphasis on fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), but other advanced microscopy techniques may also be applied. Some flexibility within the project can be discussed to match the background and interests of the successful candidate, including possible international secondment options.

APPLICANT’S REQUIREMENTS

The applicant should have a background in Physical Chemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology or related subject.

Previous knowledge on fluorescence microscopy, bacterial biology or membrane biophysics would be valuable but not a requirement.

RESEARCH GROUP DESCRIPTION

Our laboratory develops advanced microscopy methods to address problems at the interface of Biology and Materials Science. We have contributed to the improvement of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, from labelling methods to novel hardware implementations.  Much of our recent work involves the combination of advanced fluorescence and atomic force microscopy for a range of applications: the characterization of hybrid nanomaterials, the mechanistic understanding of amyloid-targeting drugs, or the quantification of mechanical interactions between bacteria and nanomaterials. We have a wide range of national and international collaborators that enrich our research and provide training opportunities for the young members of our laboratory.   

RESEARCH SUPERVISOR

Prof Cristina Flors
cristina.flors@imdea.org 

Research Group website: https://nanociencia.imdea.org/advanced-fluorescence-nanoscopy/group-home

Other websites: https://imdeananotools.wixsite.com/flors