Microscopy

atom.jpgAtomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

atom.jpgConfocal Microscopy

atom.jpgEllipsometer 

atom.jpgOptical Profiler 

atom.jpgProfilometer

atom.jpgScanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

atom.jpgTotal internal reflection fluorescence

 

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)

Introduction

nullThe Nanowizard II Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is designed for imaging fixed and live cells in biological/ chemical fluids or air. Custom designed cantilevers are required for imaging and manipulation of samples where force measurements of samples can also be attained. The system features stand-alone tip scanning allowing for flexibility in applications whilst maintaining high resolutions.

Applications

The AFM can be used to understand surface chemistry of cells and measure force spectroscopy of surfaces. The JPK Atomic Force Microscope can also be integrated with the LSCM at MCN.

Projects

projectsCharacterisation of gold nanoparticle surface assemblies

projectsIndustry looks to partner with MCN in R&D

projectsMeasurement and prediction of vulnerable plaque formation and rupture

projectsSilicon cantilever project

projectsCantilever based biosensor

projectsControlling collisions between drops and bubbles using nanofabrication methods

Equipment

The Atomic Force Microscope is attached to an inverted microscope, where images are collected and displayed on a computer. Various software can be used to process the data.

Contacts

For more information about the Atomic Force Microscope at MCN or enquiries about access, please contact.

Ms Varsha Lal

Varsha.lal@monash.edu

990229657

Confocal Microscopy

Introduction

With the use of Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM), the ability to view fluorescent specimens for biological and biomedical applications has largely increased over conventional optical microscopy. LSCM incorporates solid-state lasers to irradiate and excite specimen at specific wavelengths, with the ability to view samples at an axial and lateral resolution of 200nm.

Applications

The LSCM has the capabilities to scan single optical sections as well as a sequence of sections to view different levels and thus attain a three-dimensional image. With the ability to image fixed and living cells, a time-lapse study with improved resolutions is also easily achieved. The LSCM at MCN can also be integrated with the JPK Atomic Force Microscope.

Projects

projectsNanoparticle delivery into cells using engineered pore forming proteins

Equipment

The Nikon A1Rsi Confocal Microscope is attached to an inverted microscope, where a laser is combined with photomultiplier tube detector and images are collected and displayed on a computer. Various software can be used to process the data.

Contacts

For more information about the Confocal microscope at MCN or enquiries about access, please contact.

Ms Varsha Lal

Varsha.lal@monash.edu

990229657

Ellipsometer 

Optical Profiler 

Profilometer

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Total internal reflection fluorescence