Nahfeldspektroskopische Untersuchungen an einzelnen Membranproteinen in ihrer natürlichen Umgebung
Biophysics
Final Report Abstract
Antenna based near-field optical imaging has the capability to resolve individual PMCA4 proteins in the plasma membrane and to measure the spatial protein distribution. More generally, for the first time this technique has been successfully applied for high-resolution fluorescence imaging of biosamples in liquid environments with single protein sensitivity. Optical antenna-based near-field microscopy is an approach towards nanobiophotonic investigations, which has the ability to obtain complementary information on cellular membranes. Besides being able to identify, localize and also address individual proteins, the optical information can be correlated with the membrane topology. The understanding of the organization of cellular membranes on a molecular level, as well as the underlying structural and mechanical concepts, will benefit from simultaneous measurements of the chemical composition and structural properties. The ability to localize, image, and track single membrane proteins will help to uncover the complex signalling cascades which have been established in order to maintain proper cell function. In conclusion, antenna based near-field microscopy opens up new perspectives for nanoscale bio-imaging and single molecule spectroscopy. The optimization of antenna geometries and materials will provide higher fluorescence enhancements and lead to true protein resolution (∼10 nm), allowing individual proteins of highest abundance to be imaged and monitored under physiological conditions.
