Nanoparticle activated Neutrophils and ordered extra cellular traps: Element-specific imaging and visualization of cellular structures on the sub-micrometer level

Today, high resolution PEEM and imaging photoelectron spectroscopy are powerful tools to obtain chemical- and electronic states, chemical shifts, work function profiles, within the fields of surface- and material sciences.

Lately, due to recent technological advances, these powerful tools have shown to be highly valuable within life sciences.

Element specific images with lateral resolution and energy profile on the micro- and nano-level can be obtained.The aim of this VR- project is to obtain specific information on the cellular level and literally take a closer look on the nanoprobe-cell interaction mechanisms.

We will address the following three challenging topics:1) Novel nanomaterial design of rare-earth based nanoparticles with unique physiochemical material properties.

We will functionalize and equip these nanoparticles with capping layer and cell- and receptor specific targeting molecules. 2)  Element specific and energy filtered mapping.

We will visualize structures on the cellular and sub-cellular level with the additional dimension of topographical morphology and element specific information.3) Targeting capabilities. We will, on the intra- and extracellular level, explore the options for nanoprobes and their targeting capability.

Antibody equipped NPs will be designed for cellular targeting and uptake.

We expect to gain new insight into the reaction mechanisms and the secret behind the orientational structure of NETs and nanoprobe-cellular targeting.