High-end confocal microscope with FLIM and multi-photon

• Subject Area: Plant Sciences
• Term: Funded in 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 546115707

This proposal aims to advance the understanding of plant-microbe interactions by developing a cutting-edge technology platform for live imaging of plant roots and leaves. The current challenge lies in precisely identifying and visualizing microbial structures and molecules in complex mixtures. The proposed research utilizes state-of-the-art microscopy techniques, including confocal and multi-photon microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging, Förster resonance energy transfer, and lifetime contrast techniques. The goal is to achieve high-resolution four-dimensional imaging at the single-cell level, overcoming the limitations of current methods. This innovative approach promises unprecedented insights into plant-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions, contributing to research at the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences and enhancing collaboration at the University of Cologne. The investment in cutting-edge technology will strengthen the imaging facility, fostering interdisciplinary research initiatives.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: High-End-Konfokalmikroskop mit FLIM und Multi-Photonen
• Instrumentation Group: 5090 Spezialmikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Alga Zuccaro