We apply biophotonic, spectroscopy and single-molecule strategies to probe the structure of molecules and the dynamics of chemical changes in vitro and in vivo. Much of our work combines light microscopy with laser-based techniques for optical tweezing studies and/or Raman/fluorescence measurements of biological systems.
Currently, we have a number of active programmes in single-molecule fluorescence microscopy focused on uncovering the individual steps in complex biochemical processes or the spatio-temporal dynamics of biomolecules. We are also applying a variant of optical tweezing in which IR-holograms are used to manipulate femtolitre vesicles containing biomolecules. The vesicles are prepared by droplet microfluidics, and manipulated inside suspensions for chemical analysis by Raman or fluorescence spectroscopy. We are able to generate vesicles with different contents and they can be mixed in a controlled manner for kinetic studies of chemical reactions.
There is also interest in the application of EPR and NMR spectroscopy to biological systems (the latter with the Biochemistry Department, Profs Carr and Vuister, and Dr Dominguez).

A summary of key interests is given below:

• The combination of holographic optical tweezing and droplet microfluidics for studying chemical reactions in femtolitre vesicles
• Applications of single-molecule-fluorescence microscopy in molecular biology
• Applications of laser-Raman spectroscopy to study cellular molecules
• Super-resolution imaging using either fluorescent staining, or discrete molecular labelling in cells
• Application of EPR to the study of protein structure and dynamics

There are a number of key areas of activity where we have a critical mass and significant research funding.

Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy as a tool to study the order of events, and the assembly of molecular complexes, in biochemical processes
Hudson, Prof Ian Eperon & Dr Dmitry Cherny (Dept of Biochemistry, Leicester)
Tracking the position of vesicles in live cells using fluorescence microscopy
Hudson
The involvement of heme in cardiac myocytes
Hudson, Raven, Dr Nina Storey (Cell Physiology and Pharmacology, Leicester)
Optical tweezing of artificial cells (lipsomes) and model studies of infection
Hudson, Dr Rana El-Rachkidy and Prof Peter Andrew (Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Leicester)
Super-resolution imaging of live cells and biosynthetic materials
Hudson & Prof Nick Hartell (Cell Physiology and Pharmacology, Leicester)
Spectroscopy and dynamics of proteins and isolated biomolecules
Hudson, Raven & Evans
 

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