Research

Detailed analysis of electron beam sensitive samples by scanning electron microscope (SEM) is in many cases the compromise between the quality of detected signal and the beam damage of the sample. The use of high currents, which are necessary for several analyses, causes destruction of the sample structure. To estimate the limit of significant damage formation it is possible to use quantitative evaluation of electron-sample interactions.

The project aims at introducing in electron microscopes novel techniques responding to needs of nanotechnologies, development of advanced materials, and application of knowledge acquired in biology and medicine. This concerns imaging of crystals including 2D ones, non-conductive surfaces, imaging the wave-optical contrasts, etc. Novel materials, technologies of their processing and novel components of the scanning electron microscopes will be developed, accompanied with adequate methodology.

The project aims at introducing in electron microscopes novel techniques responding to needs of nanotechnologies, development of advanced materials, and application of knowledge acquired in biology and medicine. This concerns imaging of crystals including 2D ones, non-conductive surfaces, imaging the wave-optical contrasts, etc. Novel materials, technologies of their processing and novel components of the scanning electron microscopes will be developed, accompanied with adequate methodology.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are storing materials accumulated by a wide variety of bacterial strains. These polyesters serve as storage of carbon and energy; nevertheless, it is likely that they play also an important role in stress response against various adverse conditions. This project is focused on involvement of PHAs in stress response of bacteria against various stress factors. We intend to employ primarily Cupriavidus necator H16 as a model PHA producing bacteria.

The project offers methodology oriented research of novel techniques of laser spectroscopy and frequency stabilization of the lasers operating in the visible spectral range. The crucial element of the stabilization setup is the optical frequency reference based on hollow-core photonic crystal fiber filled with molecular iodine, which defines the frequency stability of the laser source. Critical step in these references preparation is up to these days not solved suppression of contamination of aborbing media.

The project is aimed at the research in the field of fibre optic sensors and systems for monitoring of environmental conditions inside the nuclear power plant containment. It will focus on optical methods for measurement of physical variables such as temperature, pressure, vibrations and shape deviations under extreme conditions. The primary concern is the reliable operability during severe accidents, i.e. when radiation level and temperature significantly increases within the containment.

Physical cross-linking of natural polyelectrolytes via interactions with oppositely charged surfactants represents the novel and cost-effective way of the preparation of hydrogels applicable in controlled-release systems. Integration of the surfactant micelles in the hydrogel matrix provides well-defined (preparation-specific) transport properties of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic solutes. The project will provide a complex study on the preparation of these hydrogels, on their structural and mechanical properties, solubilization capabilites and transport properties.

Enzymes provide delicate synchronisation of numerous processes using dynamic elements like tunnels and gates. Tunnels and gates mediate exchange of ligands between the solvent and enzyme’s active site or between two buried active sites. Mobile gates allow access of the preferred substrates and co-factors, while preventing the entry of non-cognate ligands, inhibitors or solvent. Targeting these natural hotspots can provide impressive refinement of valuable enzyme properties and represents a promising strategy in protein engineering.

Perfusion analysis is an important experimental technique used for diagnostics and evaluation of therapy response. Analysis based on magnetic resonance (MR) helps in identifying the state and dynamic behaviour of oncological and cardiovascular diseases and enables bettertreatment. MR perfusion analysis is done by means of estimating parameters describing tissue properties from the acquired signal. Accurate quantification of the parameters driving complex perfusion models requires low signal to noise ratio and high spatial and temporal resolution.

Thanks to rapid technological development, innovative imaging technologies enable observing previously hidden life processes inside cells, tissues and entire organisms. Therefore, imaging has truly become one of the main drivers of research in biological and medical sciences. CzechBioImaging is built as a distributed research infrastructure of imaging core facilities in the Czech Republic. It will offer open access to a broad portfolio of imaging techniques and expertise for acquiring completely new research data.