Develop Nonlinear Optical Microscopy (NOM) techniques into the nano-dimension, allowing for label-free three-dimensional
(3D), dynamic imaging of macromolecular arrangements and nanostructures by probing inherent higher-order electronic and molecular
vibrations with novel detection concepts. The FINON inititial training network constitutes of partners from, and active interaction
between, a wide range of disciplines spanning from front-line technology developers of laser instrumentation, microscopy,
and nanophotonics to users of microscopy with extended experience and challenging requirements within the life-, chemical-,
pharmaceutical- and material sciences.
Focus:
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Hierarchical structures of amyloid peptides and other biomolecules
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Nonlinear emission by metallic nanoparticles/holes/antennas as potential nanophotonic devises
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Stem cell differentiation and metabolic expression in a 3D tissue model for drug screening
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Physico-chemical processes in fuel cell membranes
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Final Publishable Summary
(October 2013 - September 2017)
Training PhD Students to Become Experts in Nonlinear Optical Technologies
The growing interest in pushing imaging resolution beyond the diffraction limit to the nanoscale in the applied sciences
is proven by the commercialization and increasing spread of super-resolution microscopy despite the highly specialized technology
involved. The scientific aim of the FINON-ITN was to parallel the nonlinear nanoscopy development on new grounds to achieve
chemical and structural characterization at the molecular level without labeling or extensive sample preparation.
FINON has taken nonlinear optical microscopy techniques into the nano-dimension, allowing for label-free three-dimensional,
dynamic imaging of (macro) molecular arrangements and nanostructures by probing inherent higher-order electronic and molecular
vibrations with novel detection concepts. The consortium has focused on
(A) exploring the use of nano-sized scanning probes, polarization- or phase-resolved detection schemes to enable nano-scale
imaging
(B) benchmarking the capabilities of the newly developed methods by fundamental studies of molecular suprastructures and
metallic nanostructures
(C) applying the novel nanoscopy concepts to live-cell and fuel cell studies, in this way introducing them as attractive
instruments for the pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, and biosciences industries.
Twelve excellent international Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) were recruited to conduct research projects with the above
goals. With the guidance of six expert female principle investigators and nine experienced industrial and academic associated
partners, the ESRs have been embedded in an interdisciplinary and intersectorial research environment to receive the best
possible training for a successful scientific career. Within the framework of the four year project duration, the FINON ESRs
have developed into well-rounded young researchers by obtaining state-of-the-art academic, entrepreneurial and industrial
training through scientific conferences, soft-skill workshops and cross-sectorial secondments.
Outreach and Broader Impact
FINON is a unique compilation of six expert female principal investigators who repeatedly have been identified for their
scientific excellence in a research field traditionally heavily dominated by men. Hence, the FINON consortium is an important
contribution to the gender balance policy, both as a support to the career development of the partners, and even more importantly
to encourage young female students to start and complete a PhD in the natural sciences and pursue a career toward a full
professor or a leadership position in industry.
The instrumentation and analysis methods developed in the first half of the project have been applied to biophysical and
chemical research questions. The excellent success of the FINON project is mirrored in the to date 24 publications in internationally
recognized, high-impact journals of the different research fields connected by the interdisciplinary consortium approach
(plus further manuscripts submitted or in preparation). Public visibility and an interest in the FINON research activities
has been generated by eight outreach activities at public science events at various European locations, for example, at the
International Science Festival in Sweden, the Fête de la Science in France or the Girls’ Day in Germany. Furthermore, FINON
researchers presented their results with posters and presentations at over 50 conferences and workshops across the world.
Special recognition of FINON activities was received through two of our ESRs, Marie Didier and Carolina Rendón Barraza, who
have been featured in promotional scientific videos
(Polarized Nonlinear Nanoscopy), and through PI Sophie Brasselet being awarded the Silver Medal of the Centre de Recherche National Scientifique in France
(CNRS Silver Medal)
.
Scientific Highlights
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Development and implementation of novel nanoscopy tools unique in the European scientific landscape: interface-sensitive
wide-field SHG microscope, electrochemical tip-enhanced Raman spectroscope, FWM heterodyne interferometer, polarization resolved
nonlinear microscope
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Fundamental studies of (bio)molecular suprastructures: visualization of lipids in amyloid plaque in brain tissue, micro-molding
of proteins to create tissue-mimicking architectures, unraveling amyloid formation paths relevant for Parkinson’s disease
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Applications of advanced nanoscopy tools: 3D tracking of individual nanoparticles with 20 nm spatial and 1 ms temporal resolution,
spectrally resolving enhanced water transport in nm-confined Nafion pores; nanometric scale structural imaging in metal and
dielectric nanoparticles
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To view the pdf version of this Final Publishable Summary, click
here.
