Common Research Facility for TIRF Microscopy and Optical Tweezers

Establishment of a common infrastructure facility

Objective

• Develop a world-class Super-Resolution Microscopy facility combined with forced spectroscopy technique (optical tweezers) as a central facility, Use optical tweezers combined with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to study molecules like proteins, DNA, etc.

Description

• TIRF Microscopy combined with optical tweezers ? a powerful high-end research technique of exceptional precision and sensitivity, ideal for studying molecular processes at the cellular level across a wide range of experiments ? forms the foundation of this IIT Madras initiative. By establishing this facility as a central super-resolution microscopy hub for studying proteins, DNA, and biological and colloidal systems, the project strengthens national research networks, attracts collaborations from laboratories across India, and advances capabilities in biotechnology and life sciences.

Impact

• Establishment of TIRF Microscopy combined with optical tweezers would be a great boon in the field of biological and colloidal science networks at IIT Madras, The TIRF Microscopy combined with optical tweezers would attract various national research laboratories both in IIT Madras and outside as well