Researchers from Chalmers will together with colleagues from three other universities in Europe, try a new idea for the use of multiphoton microscopy – a technique that allows us to take pictures of our cells. In the long run, the research project, which has received funding from the EU, could provide us with better tools for diagnosing, understanding, and monitoring diseases.
Multiphoton microscopy is an important tool in medical research that enables us to capture images of cells in the body to detect, understand, and track diseases. Currently, two-photon microscopy is used, which provides clear images of a small part of the cell. If four-photon microscopy is used instead, it is possible to see more details, and clearer images can be obtained. The problem is that four-photon microscopy requires extremely powerful lasers, which limits its practical use.
In the project, which has been given the acronym 4for2, the researchers will now test a new idea: is it possible to create images that are as clear as in four-photon microscopy using the simpler technique of two-photon microscopy?
"We will investigate whether we can maintain the advantages of two-photon microscopy (using less powerful lasers and being able to see deeper into tissues) while obtaining equally clear images as in four-photon microscopy. If successful, it would represent a paradigm shift in how we can use this technology and see into our cells, says Joakim Andreasson, Professor at the department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and coordinator for the project."
To achieve the project´s ambitious goals, the researchers plan to design fluorescent molecules that can perform two different functions simultaneously and test them in various ways to ensure their functionality, even in biologically relevant environments.
The research, which has been granted 25 million SEK over three years from the EU fund Pathfinder Open, is carried out in collaboration between four universities: Chalmers University of Technology, the University of Gothenburg, the University of Huelva in Spain, and KU Leuven in Belgium. Recently, the parties gathered for a kick-off event in Gothenburg.