Brillouin Microscopy: Emerging Tool for Probing Mechanical Properties of Living Cells

Overview

Course Overview

Brillouin microscopy is an emerging optical imaging and spectroscopy technique which allows to probe mechanical properties of living cells using light. Mechanical forces have recently become important in cell, tissue and developmental biology as they are thought to regulate a number of different properties and behaviours. Brillouin microscopy offers the ability to measure these mechanical properties in a non-invasive way with high spatial and temporal resolution in living cells, and also gives access to internal structures, i.e. it is not restricted to surface measurements, like many other techniques (e.g. atomic force microscopy). By a mix of lectures and hands-on classes this course aims at bringing this emerging technique closer to the life scientists.

Audience

This course is aimed at researchers who are applying or planning to apply Brillouin microscopy to their research and wish to acquire more knowledge and hands-on training on this technology.

Modules/Resources

– Lectures and application talks about Brillouin microscopy

– What quantities can be measured

– Suitable sample types, preparation and mounting

– Hands-on training, including demonstrations and tutorials

– Data/Image analysis and interpretation

Learning Outcomes

You will gain an overview of this advanced microscopy method, including its advantages and limitations. You will gain an insight in its applications and pitfalls as well as recommendations from experts. After this course you should be able to assess the potential of the technique and apply it to your own research.

Speakers

Thomas Dehoux

Institut Lumière Matière

France

Alba Diz-Muñoz

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Kareem Elsayad

VBCF

Austria

Daniele Fioretto

University of Perugia

Italy

Jochen Guck

TU Dresden

Germany

Francesca Palombo

University of Exeter

UK

Takashi Hiiragi

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Robert Prevedel

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Peter Török

Imperial College London

UK

Scientific Organisers

Alba Diz-Muñoz

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Kareem Elsayad

VBCF

Austria

Robert Prevedel

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Course Organisers

Adela Valceanu

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Programme