Perturbation of Photosynthetic Organisms – Single cell analysis using laminar flow chambers,
fluorescence microscopy imaging and signal processing
The student will use laminar flow chambers (i.e. microfluidics - small, confined chambers that can be
infused with fluid), in combination with time lapse fluorescence imaging of cells residing inside the
devices. Due to the laminar flow conditions that exist inside the chambers, full control of the
environment around the cells can be achieved. This project aims in using technologies like
microfluidics and image analysis to interpret the attained data together with researchers active in the
field of microalgae for future biodiesel production. The metabolism (how nutritions are taken up by
the algae and utilized) and its fluctuations can be followed by imaging, but in concert having control
of the extracellular milieu is totally novel and never previously performed for this cell type and, hence,
requires a proper interdisciplinary approach be for a successful outcome.
The PhD student’s role, will be to focus on the experimental setup and the signal processing of the
attained data. The experimental setup involves the fluorescence microscope combined with a laser
used as optical tweezers to manipulate the algae cells inside the microfluidic device. The optical table,
pump speeds to infuse the fluid into the microfluidics and the imaging is controlled and automatized
via software. The experimental preparation involves fabricating the microfluidics and possibly alter
the design to fit the application if necessary, algae culturing and cell preparation, the actual
measurements and last but not least, the image analysis and signal processing. Skills and experience in
MatLab is preferential.
The supervisor at the dep of Physics is Caroline Beck Adiels and the collaborating partner Prof. Benoit
Schoefs (at Dep of Sea Molecules & Health, France) will be co-supervisor. The student will have the
opportunity to attain hands on experience on how novel technologies can be applied and utilized for
research questions in another field, hence, the bridge between biology and physics is very obvious
from a teaching perspective. If the appropriate candidate is found, the affiliation at the department of
Physics is optimal, since here are situated the experienced teachers and students already working in the
field of optics, microfluidics and metabolic signaling and this interdisciplinary research topic fits well
into the strategic research fields of the department. There is always a need at the department for
pedagogical skilled persons with the appropriate experience, and since the student has experience of
teaching, she/he could serve as supervisor for physics teacher students at GU.
The student could also potentially teach in the department’s course “Miljöfysik”, which fits its content.
Moreover, possibly, there will also be an opportunity for the student to be involved in the didactic
teaching of other PhD students enrolled at the department of physics. The leading teacher and
supervisor at that level would be Jonas Enger.
Contact: Caroline Adiels, [email protected], 031-786 9123, 0766-229123, Visiting adress:
Origovägen 6 B, 41296 Göteborg