Training: Analytical methods

Prof. Dr. Cornelius Fischer: “Vertical scanning interferometry: a microscopic technique to analyze surface reactivity”

This lecture provides an introduction to the analysis of surface nano- and microtopography using vertical scanning interferometry techniques. This overview includes insight into the physical background of the interferometric optical profiler methods. We discuss the nondestructive, noncontact area measurements with high spatial resolution. We further discuss sample surface requirements and sample preparation. Processing of the interferometric data leads to insight into surface topography evolution during fluid-solid reactions. We discuss statistical data treatment and limitations and opportunities of data interpretation, including surface characterization, defect review, and volume displacement.

Dr. Stefan Schymura: “An introduction to radiolabelling as a versatile tool in colloid tracing”

The webinar will give an introduction on the use of radiotracers in colloid sciences. This encompasses the principles of radiotracer detection, production and their introduction into (nano-)particles for colloid tracing studies. Different strategies for the radiolabeling of colloids will be presented. The necessary characterization of the radiolabeled compounds will be discussed. Examples, for the use of radiotracers in different study designs at different scales for the evaluation of colloid fate in biotic and abiotic systems will be presented and insight in the data evaluation will be given.

Dr. Bogdan Parakhonskiy: “Development and construction of biocarriers and aggregates for potential industrial applications”

Industrial applications require novel hybrid materials, which combine the structural properties of the organic matrices with functionality of inorganic additives and live objects such as cells and bacteria. One of the limitations of such an object is the special requirements for the mechanical properties of material for bacteria/cell as well as chemical properties for the surface. Study and adjustment of the physical interaction of cells with surfaces will allow to formulate novel approaches for surface design for industrial applications. Biocarrier fabrication will be presented in light of their potential industrial applications.

Prof. Dr. Andre Skirtach and Dr. Bogdan Parakhonskiy: “Materials and fluidic design to study artificially functionalized microorganisms”

past decade, there have been tremendous advances in microfluidics and microfabrication techniques. The microfluidic one of the powerful tools to artificially functionalized microorganism. For example, the deicing micro fluidic system for covering bacteria or cells with polyelectrolyte layer allows not only functionalizing the microorganism but also avoiding significant losses of both functional molecules and microorganisms. Various materials and fluidic design platforms will be discussed.

Prof. Dr. Andre Skirtach and Dr. Bogdan Parakhonskiy: “AFM, RAMAN microscopy and other spectroscopy methods for the analysis of bio-colloid interactions”

The bio colloids, microorganism’s characterization required the special techniques. Various complementary microscopic techniques are available including atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman and confocal fluorescence microscopy for characterization of biocolloids. Information obtained in AFM reveals nano-topography and mechanical properties of the samples, while Raman microscopy depicts vibrational modes of atoms in molecules, Extensive progress has been achieved in these areas. Insights will be given into the basics of these techniques linking them with the practical aspects of bio-colloid characterization.

Contact: info@surfbio.eu

Ales Lapanje ales.lapanje@ijs.si
Tomaz Rijavec tomaz.rijavec@ijs.si