Optical Imaging From Macro to Nano

Research & Funded Projects

Optical Imaging across nine scales - from Meter to Nanometer.
Optical Imaging From Macro to Nano
Picture: Christian Franke

  • Super-Resolution Microscopy

    Development of novel hardware and software tools for Super-Resolution Microscopy and Applications in cell biology.

    The basic principle of Single-Molecule Localisation Microscopy
    Image: Christian Franke

  • Collaborative Research Center 1278 PolyTarget

    The Collaborative Research Center PolyTarget is developing polymer-based, nanoparticulate carrier materials for the targeted application of active pharmaceutical ingredients. In the foreground are systems that are suitable for the treatment of diseases.

    Logo CRC 1278 Polytarget
    Image: Michael Gottschaldt

  • TAB Research Group KI - supER

    AI-SupER (2024 FGR 0059) is an interdisciplinary research project between the University Hospital Jena and the FSU funded by the Thueringer Aufbaubank, that develops AI-powered super-resolution imaging strategies to investigate the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in models of neurodegenerative diseases. By combining advanced microscopy with artificial intelligence, we aim to uncover how nanoscale ER changes contribute to neuronal degeneration and explore new therapeutic approaches.

    Dual-Color Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) of tubular (yellow) and sheet (cyan) ER in fixed cells.
    Graphic: Christian Franke

  • BMBF Consortium 3DVens - 3D measurement using explosion-proof endoscopy with structured illumination

    Extensive technological developments are required to meet social challenges such as climate neutrality, digitalization and sustainability. One prominent example is the use of hydrogen as an energy source, the safe handling and social acceptance of which requires safe testing and maintenance. However, currently available inspection systems pose a high risk due to the use of electronic components, which are themselves a source of ignition, and therefore cannot be used in the vicinity of highly explosive substances such as hydrogen.

    3DVens Scheme
    Picture: ITConcepts GmbH

  • BMWK Consortium - Nanospeck3D

    Randomly scattered laser pattern are utilized for robust, three-dimensional structured illumination fluorescence microscopy.

    Random Pattern Structured Illumination
    Image: Lars Schmidl
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Research Areas & Methods

Seeing is believing. The newly established research group of Christian Franke @IAOB de is focused on the development of advanced optical and computational tools for the quantitative study of (cell-) biological questions. On one side, we work to advance super-resolution microscopy methods like single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM, e.g. dSTORM, PALM) and random structured illumination microscopy (nanoSpeck3D) to quantitatively study the structure-function relationship of sub-cellular (trafficking) organelles, e.g. endosomes, with three-dimensional nanometer resolution. Here, we create novel hard- and software tools to push the limits of 3D volume, colour and time resolution. For this, we have home-built microscopes in our labs in the Abbeanum and are in close collaboration with the Eggeling Group at IAOB and IPHT, providing a large range of complementary microscope setups. Led by Dr. Andreas Stark, we recently branched out into macroscopic measurements of 3D volumes by stereophotogrammetry also utilizing structured illumination, with which we can now measure objects on the centimeter to micrometer scale, thus bridging dimensions between the macro- and nanoscopic world.

Recent Research Results (will be updated soon...)

Recent research includes the development of quantitative tools for novel 3D SMLM approaches [1-3], correlative multi-colour SMLM and volumetric electron tomography (superCLEM)[4] and their application to cell-biological questions [3, 4-6]. For example, we could visualize for the first time the molecular escape of mRNA molecules, delivered by lipid nanoparticles from endosomal recycling tubules at the nanometer scale with multi-colour dSTORM [5] and help to understand part of the fine-structure in developing liver tissue [6]. We also found a novel way of performing macroscopic 3D measurements with a monocular, miniaturized structured-illumination system [7].

[1]       Franke et al.External link, Nat. Methods 14, 41-44, (2017).

[2]       Franke et al.External link, Nat. Methods 15, 990-992 (2018).

[3]       Franke et al.External link, Commun. Biol. 5, 218 (2022).

[4]       Franke et al.External link, Traffic 20, 601– 617 (2019).

[5]       Paramasivam, Franke et al.External link, J. Cell Biol. 221, e202110137 (2022).

[6]       Belicova et al.External link, J. Cell Biol. 220, e202103003 (2021).

[7]       Stark et al.External link, Light: Advanced Manufacturing 3, Article number: 34(2022).

[8]      Weiler et al.External link, bioRxiv 2022.11.04.515161