We develop novel methods, typically based on light, to study biology and biomaterials at the nanoscale. Our current research lines are:
- Novel methods for super-resolution imaging. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques are able to image (biological) structures with a spatial resolution of tens of nm, one order of magnitude better than standard fluorescence microscopy. In our group we develop novel methods that extend the application of super-resolution microscopy. A few years ago we were able to image for the first time directly-labelled DNA with a spatial resolution below 40 nm. Currently, we use correlative super-resolution fluorescence imaging and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to develop and validate novel labelling methods in super-resolution microscopy, most recently for amyloids.
- Single-cell real-time imaging of bacterial death processes. We are also interested in using advanced microscopy to study bacterial death processes at the single-cell level and with temporal resolution. We have developed labelling strategies to follow the effects of antimicrobial treatments in bacteria in real-time. Moreover, using combined fluorescence and AFM, we have studied mechanically-induced bacterial death, which is relevant in the context of mechano-bactericidal nanomaterials, and quantified the forces involved in this process. The mechanistic understanding provided by these advanced microscopy methods may help in the design and implementation of improved bactericidal strategies.
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