Development of measurement technology for molecular dynamics in intracellular nanospace

2013 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24770160
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Biophysics
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: ICHIMURA Taro 独立行政法人理化学研究所, 生命システム研究センター, 研究員 (50600748)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2014-03-31
• Keywords: １分子計測・操作

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Measurement of molecular dynamics inside living cells is one of important approaches for understanding the complex system of cells. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy have been widely used to measure some quantities related to molecular dynamics, including diffusion constant, concentration, and reaction rate. In this study, I have developed a novel methodology to realize fluorescence correlation spectroscopy with high resolution beyond the diffraction limit of light. By using transition process between radiative and non-radiative states of photoswitchable fluorescent molecules, a high spatial resolution around 100 nm has been achieved beyond the diffraction limit, which is corresponding to ten times smaller focal volume than conventional fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. This method can also be used for super resolution imaging, it has a potential for wide application in the future biology study.

Free Research Field

生物学