Simultaneous analysis of individual live cells using nanocalorimetry and SR-FTIR imaging.

All biochemical processes, chemical reactions and physical transitions obey the laws of thermodynamics. Therefore, thermal analysis and calorimetry provide universal means for monitoring the rate of any chemical, physical or biological processes. A range of applications of calorimetry exceeds that for virtually any other modern analytical technique. We have already built a high frequency hybrid AC/DC modulated liquid calorimeter instrument capable of real-time and label-free analysis and suitable for the analysis of nanogram quantities of biological material or the material localised within 10-100 nm of the surface of sensor chip even in bulk samples. Such capability should enable studying cellular metabolic processes and thermodynamics of molecular interactions and biochemical processes at cellular and sub-cellular levels in living cells ex vivo in their natural aqueous environment and without using artificially introduced markers or inserting any sensors into such cells or organelles.

The aim of this research project is to combine thermodynamic analysis of micro- and nano-sized biological objects, e.g. individual cells, cell compartments or individual organelles and, ultimately individual molecules with structural analysis tools such as Synchrotron radiation infrared microspectroscopy and imaging.

Our methodology includes biochemical, biophysical, thermal analyses and SR-IR microspectroscopy. This project is a collaboration between Royal Holloway University of London (Supervisor Mikhail Soloviev) and the Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus (Co-supervisor Gianfelice Cinque). Please visit our Websites:

http://pure.rhul.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/mikhail-soloviev_2b06f036-2cc0-4375-87e1-57f662534d0d.html

http://www.diamond.ac.uk/Beamlines/Soft-Condensed-Matter/B22/Staff/Cinque.html

Applicants should already have or be expected to obtain a First or upper Second Class degree in physics, biophysics, biochemistry, cell biology or a similar discipline. Multi-disciplinary experience or an MSc degree in one of the above is not a requirement but can be an advantage.

To make a general enquiry, please use the 'email' link below. To make a formal application please visit the 'apply online' link below and follow the application instructions detailed there.