Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry
banner

Topic details

Topic Synthesis and characterization of highly sensitive, bimodal dissolved oxygen sensors for EPR/FLIM oximetry
Supervisor Martin Hrubý, Ph.D.
Consultant Mgr. Krzysztof Tadyszak, DSc.
Department Supramolecular Polymer Systems
Description The project aims to the preparation and characterization of water-soluble trivalent carbon-centered radicals equipped with additional fluorescence groups for direct, noninvasive and repeatable dissolved molecular quantification, enabling also measurement in cells and vessels. The quantification of oxygen levels in-vitro and in-vivo is important not only for the understanding of physiological processes, but also in the assessment and therapy of pathological conditions such as cancer, peripheral vascular disease, inflammatory and wounds. It is extremally challenging to obtain exact oxygenation values in cells or in tissues at microscopic scale. In this project we are combining two of the best suited techniques for this purpose by creating a single bimodal molecular detector. The first oxygen detection method is based on EPR line broadening caused by paramagnetic O2 molecules tumbling in proximity of the radical and the second method is based on fluorescence quenching or fluorescence lifetime shortening due to interactions with oxygen. The two types of equipment will be used for the detection - electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer and confocal microscopy equipped with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). The molecules will also be tested on 3D cell cultures (spheroids).
Universities