We have built a custom Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscope to enable the dynamic imaging of single molecules. Laser light is directed to the specimen through a microscope objective at a shallow angle. This creates a thin (~200 nm) illumination volume at the sample surface following the total internal reflection of the incident light. This … Continue reading Single Molecule Fluorescence

Droplet Interface Bilayers represent robust mimics of the cell membrane. Using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy we can image the interaction of individual molecules within the membrane to reveal molecular level organisation of lipids and membrane proteins.

Microfluidics allows for the precise manipulation of fluids on the small scale. For many years it has been hailed as a technology capable of revolutionising research in the chemical and biological communities. Recently we have been interesting in developing 3D printing techniques for the production of microfluidic devices. (Read the paper here). High equipment costs … Continue reading Microfluidics