DOCSLIB.ORG

Optimization of Flow Cytometry Assays for the Detection of Injured Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Optimization of Flow Cytometry Assays for the Detection of Injured Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria OPTIMIZATION OF FLOW CYTOMETRY ASSAYS FOR THE DETECTION OF INJURED FOODBORNE PATHOGENIC BACTERIA Alicia Subires Orenes Facultat de Veterinària Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments Doctoral thesis OPTIMIZATION OF FLOW CYTOMETRY ASSAYS FOR THE DETECTION OF INJURED FOODBORNE PATHOGENIC BACTERIA Alicia Subires Orenes Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 2015 Josep Yuste Puigvert, professor agregat, i Marta Capellas Puig, professora titu- lar del Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments de la Universitat Autò- noma de Barcelona, fan constar que la llicenciada en Ciència i Tecnologia dels Aliments Alicia Subi- res Orenes ha dut a terme, sota la seva direcció, el treball titulat “Optimization of flow cytometry assays for the detection of injured foodborne pathogenic bacteria”, que presenta per optar al grau de Doctor. I perquè així consti, signem el present document a Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), el 27 de juliol de 2015. Josep Yuste Puigvert Marta Capellas Puig This project was supported by grant AGL2007-66877/ALI from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (MEC). Alicia Subires benefited from a grant by the Commission for Universities and Research of the Ministry of Innovation, Universities and Enterprise (DIUE) of the Autonomous Government of Catalo- nia. to find you in infinity of space and time one must first divide and then combine J. W. von Goethe Agraïments Als meus directors de tesi, la Marta i el Josep, dels qui he après tant durant aquests anys, per confiar en mi i en la meva capacitat per tirar la feina endavant, per la seva paciència i bons consells. A la Manuela Costa, tècnica del servei de citometria de la UAB, per la seva amabilitat en tot moment i per iniciar-me en la citometria de flux. I would like to acknowledge Dr. Tjakko Abee, who gave me the chance to work with his research group, and Dr. Maarten Mols, who gave me so many valuable lab tips. A Manuela Hernández, por acogerme en su despacho estos últimos meses de redac- ción, por su buen humor, y por enseñarme tanto durante las prácticas del “workshop”. A la resta de gent del Departament: becaris, tècnics, professors. Uns ja han marxat, altres encara hi són, però a tots els agraeixo la seva ajuda quan ho he necessitat, la seva amabilitat, el seu suport i els bons moments, tant dins com fora de la feina. Als meus pares i a la meva germana. Quina sort tenir-vos... Publications and presentations related to this thesis Publications Title: Flow cytometry immunodetection and membrane integrity assessment of Esch- erichia coli O157:H7 in ready-to-eat pasta salad during refrigerated storage Authors: A. Subires, J. Yuste, M. Capellas Reference: International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2014, 168-169: 47-56 Scientific communications Title: Immunodetection and membrane integrity assessment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by three-colour flow cytometry Authors: A. Subires, J. Yuste, M. Capellas Meeting: 5th International Conference on Analysis of Microbial Cells at the Single Cell Level Place and date: Carry-Le-Rouet, France, 5-8 November, 2011 Type of communication: Poster communication Title: Assessment of green-fluorescent nucleic acid stains as bacterial viability indica- tors for flow cytometry analysis Authors: A. Subires, M. Capellas, S. De Lamo, J. Yuste Meeting: 22nd International Symposium of the International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Food Micro 2010: Microbial behaviour in the food chain Place and date: Copenhagen, Denmark, 30 August-3 September, 2010 Type of communication: Poster communication Title: Inactivation-associated reactive oxygen species formation in heat- and acid- stressed bacteria Authors: A. Subires, M. Mols, M. Capellas, J. Yuste, T. Abee Meeting: 22nd International Symposium of the International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Food Micro 2010: Microbial behavior in the food chain Place and date: Copenhagen, Denmark, 30 August-3 September, 2010 Type of communication: Oral communication Title: Flow cytometry for injured pathogen detection Authors: A. Subires, J. Yuste, M. Capellas Meeting: 30th Annual Rapid Methods and Automation in Microbiology Work- shop/Symposium Place and date: Manhattan, KS, USA, 11-18 June, 2010 Type of communication: Lecture Title: Flow cytometry detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 stressed by chemical and physical treatments Authors: A. Subires, J. Yuste, M. Capellas Meeting: V European Symposium on Food Safety Place and date: Berlin, Germany, 7-9 October, 2009 Type of communication: Poster communication Contents i Table of contents Abstract .......................................................................................................... 1 Resumen ......................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 1. Literature review ........................................................................ 7 1. Injured bacteria in food .............................................................................................................. 9 1.1. Minimally processed food as pathogen vectors ..................................................... 9 1.2. Stress exposure throughout the food chain ......................................................... 10 1.2.1. Stress factors and cellular targets................................................................ 10 1.2.2. Stress adaptive responses .............................................................................. 13 1.3. Potential public health hazards posed by injured bacteria ............................ 15 2. Detection of injured cells ........................................................................................................ 16 2.1. Culture-based methods ................................................................................................ 17 2.1.1. Differential plating method ........................................................................... 17 2.1.2. Thin agar layer method ................................................................................... 18 2.2. Culture-independent methods .................................................................................. 19 2.2.1. Molecular methods ........................................................................................... 19 2.2.2. Fluorescence-based techniques .................................................................. 21 2.2.2.1. Assessment of physiological parameters by fluorescent probes ................................................................................................... 21 2.2.2.2. Fluorescence detection ................................................................. 34 3. Basic principles of flow cytometry ....................................................................................... 37 3.1. Instrumentation ............................................................................................................... 38 3.1.1. Fluidics ................................................................................................................... 38 3.1.2. Optics ..................................................................................................................... 40 3.1.2.1. Excitation optics................................................................................ 40 3.1.2.2. Collection optics ............................................................................... 42 3.1.3. Signal processing electronics ....................................................................... 43 3.1.3.1. Analog signal processing .............................................................. 43 3.1.3.2. Digital signal processing ............................................................... 46 3.2. Data display and analysis ............................................................................................. 46 ii Contents 3.3. Cell parameters measured by flow cytometry ..................................................... 48 3.3.1. Scattering signals ............................................................................................... 48 3.3.2. Fluorescence signals......................................................................................... 50 3.4. Flow cytometers for bacterial analysis .................................................................... 53 4. Flow cytometry measurements of food-related bacteria .......................................... 55 4.1. Challenges of flow cytometry detection of bacteria in food .......................... 55 4.2. Sample preparation ........................................................................................................ 56 4.2.1. Liquid foods ......................................................................................................... 59 4.2.2. Semi-solid and solid foods ............................................................................. 60 4.3. Applications ....................................................................................................................... 60 4.3.1. Identification of bacteria ................................................................................. 60 4.3.2. Enumeration of bacteria ................................................................................. 69 4.3.3. Physiological state assessment .................................................................... 72 5. References..................................................................................................................................... 74 Chapter 2. Introduction
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Biosensors and Bioelectronics 142 (2019) 111530
    Biosensors and Bioelectronics 142 (2019) 111530 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Biosensors and Bioelectronics journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/bios Highly sensitive bioaffinity electrochemiluminescence sensors: Recent T advances and future directions ∗ Bahareh Babamiria,b, Delnia Baharia,b, Abdollah Salimia,b,c, a Department of Chemistry, University of Kurdistan, 66177-15175, Sanandaj, Iran b Research Center for Nanotechnology, University of Kurdistan, 66177-15175, Sanandaj, Iran c Department of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, N6A 5B7, London, Ontario, Canada ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (also called electrochemiluminescence and abbreviated ECL) has attracted Electrochemiluminescence much attention in various fields of analysis due to the potential remarkably high sensitivity, extremely wide Bioaffinity sensors dynamic range and excellent controllability. Electrochemiluminescence biosensor, by taking the advantage of Aptasensor the selectivity of the biological recognition elements and the high sensitivity of ECL technique was applied as a Immunoassays powerful analytical device for ultrasensitive detection of biomolecule. In this review, we summarize the latest Genosensor sensing applications of ECL bioanalysis in the field of bio affinity ECL sensors including aptasensors, im- Cytosensor Medical diagnostics munoassays and DNA analysis, cytosensor, molecularly imprinted sensors, ECL resonance energy transfer and Nanomaterials ratiometric biosensors and give future perspectives for new developments in ECL analytical technology. Furthermore, the results herein discussed would demonstrate that the use of nanomaterials with unique chemical and physical properties in the ECL biosensing systems is one of the most interesting research lines for the development of ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence biosensors. In addition, ECL based sensing assays for clinical samples analysis and medical diagnostics and developing of immunosensors, aptasensors and cytosensor for this purpose is also highlighted.
    [Show full text]
  • Accomplishments in Nanotechnology
    U.S. Department of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretaiy Technology Administration Robert Cresanti, Under Secretaiy of Commerce for Technology National Institute ofStandards and Technolog}' William Jeffrey, Director Certain commercial entities, equipment, or materials may be identified in this document in order to describe an experimental procedure or concept adequately. Such identification does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor does it imply that the materials or equipment used are necessarily the best available for the purpose. National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 1052 Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Spec. Publ. 1052, 186 pages (August 2006) CODEN: NSPUE2 NIST Special Publication 1052 Accomplishments in Nanoteciinology Compiled and Edited by: Michael T. Postek, Assistant to the Director for Nanotechnology, Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory Joseph Kopanski, Program Office and David Wollman, Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory U. S. Department of Commerce Technology Administration National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, MD 20899 August 2006 National Institute of Standards and Teclinology • Technology Administration • U.S. Department of Commerce Acknowledgments Thanks go to the NIST technical staff for providing the information outlined on this report. Each of the investigators is identified with their contribution. Contact information can be obtained by going to: http ://www. nist.gov Acknowledged as well,
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Flow Cytometry Principles Data Analysis Protocols Troubleshooting
    Flow Cytometry ipl.qxd 11/12/06 11:14 Page i Introduction to Flow Cytometry Principles Data analysis Protocols Troubleshooting By Misha Rahman, Ph.D. Technical advisors Andy Lane, Ph.D. Angie Swindell, M.Sc. Sarah Bartram, B.Sc. Your first choice for antibodies! Flow Cytometry ipl.qxd 11/12/06 11:14 Page ii Flow Cytometry ipl.qxd 11/12/06 11:14 Page iii Introduction to Flow Cytometry Principles Data analysis Protocols Troubleshooting By Misha Rahman, Ph.D. Technical advisors Andy Lane, Ph.D. Angie Swindell, M.Sc. Sarah Bartram, B.Sc. Flow Cytometry ipl.qxd 11/12/06 11:14 Page 2 Preface How can I explain what flow cytometry is to someone that knows nothing about it? Well, imagine it to be a lot like visiting a supermarket. You choose the goods you want and take them to the cashier. Usually you have to pile them onto a conveyor. The clerk picks up one item at a time and interrogates it with a laser to read the barcode. Once identified and if sense prevails, similar goods are collected together e.g. fruit and vegetables go into one shopping bag and household goods into another. Now picture in your mind the whole process automated; replace shopping with biological cells; and substitute the barcode with cellular markers – welcome to the world of flow cytometry and cell sorting! We aim to give you a basic overview of all the important facets of flow cytometry without delving too deeply into the complex mathematics and physics behind it all. For that there are other books (some recommended at the back).
    [Show full text]
  • Bioelectronics Contents
    chapter 10 Bioelectronics Contents Introduction . 253 Biosensors. 253 Biochips. 254 Priorities for Future Research . 256 Chapter IO References . 256 Figure Figure No. Page 29.The Use of Proteins in Constructing Circuit . ..., . 255 — Chapter 10 Bioelectronics .—— .— Introduction --—----- ——— The potential for the use of proteins in elec- used for several years, but design problems have tronic dmices has received attention recently with limited their acceptance. Biotechnology is ex- the advent of recombinant DNA (rDNA) technol- pected to increase the variety, stability, and sen- ogy}’ and the potential for computer-aided design sitivity of these devices. Biochips (biologically of proteins (I ,2,3 5 ,6,7, 11, 13,14,15,19,2 1 ). Work based microchips) capable of logic and memory is focused in two areas: biosensors and biochips. are still only speculative, and their development Biosensors (biological}’ based sensors) have been is many years away. Biosensors -——-- –—- —— .——. A potential application of biotechnology is in the not only could obviate the need for enzymes but development of improved sensing devices. Be- also could substantially broaden the applications cause of their high specificity. for given sub- of biosensors. A longer term solution to the lack of stances, enzymes and monocIonal antibodies particular enzymes might be to have computers (hlAbs) are particularly suited for use as sensors. design enzymes with particular catalytic func- Sensors using these biological molecules have the tions. Finally, features of proteins that determine potential to be smaller and more sensitive than temperature stability could be incorporated into traditional sensors. the genes that code for important sensing en- zymes. Biosensors using enzymes have been used to detect the presence of various organic compounds A new approach to fabrication is yielding bio- for many years (12).
    [Show full text]
  • Comparison of Count Reproducibility, Accuracy, and Time to Results
    Comparison of Count Reproducibility, Accuracy, and Time to Results between a Hemocytometer and the TC20™ Automated Cell Counter Tech Frank Hsiung, Tom McCollum, Eli Hefner, and Teresa Rubio Note Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, CA 94547 USA Cell Counting Bulletin 6003 Introduction Bead counts were performed by sequentially loading For over 100 years the hemocytometer has been used by and counting the same chamber of a Bright-Line glass cell biologists to quantitate cells. It was first developed for the hemocytometer (Hausser Scientific). This was repeated ten quantitation of blood cells but became a popular and effective times. The number of beads was recorded for all nine tool for counting a variety of cell types, particles, and even 1 x 1 mm grids. small organisms. Currently, hemocytometers, armed with Flow Cytometry improved Neubauer grids, are a mainstay of cell biology labs. Flow cytometry was performed using a BD FACSCalibur flow Despite its longevity and versatility, hemocytometer counting cytometer (BD Biosciences) and CountBright counting beads suffers from a variety of shortcomings. These shortcomings (Life Technologies Corporation). Medium containing 50,000 include, but are not limited to, a lack of statistical robustness at CountBright beads was combined one-to-one with 250 µl low sample concentration, poor counts due to device misuse, of cells in suspension, yielding a final solution containing and subjectivity of counts among users, in addition to a time- 100 beads/µl. This solution was run through the flow consuming and tedious operation. In recent years automated cytometer until 10,000 events were collected in the gate cell counting has become an attractive alternative to manual previously defined as appropriate for non-doublet beads in hemocytometer–based cell counting, offering more reliable the FSC x SSC channel.
    [Show full text]
  • The Past, Present and Future of Flow Cytometry in Central Nervous System Malignancies
    Review The Past, Present and Future of Flow Cytometry in Central Nervous System Malignancies Evrysthenis Vartholomatos 1, George Vartholomatos 2, George A. Alexiou 1,3 and Georgios S. Markopoulos 1,2,* 1 Faculty of Medicine, Neurosurgical Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; [email protected] (E.V.); [email protected] (G.A.A.) 2 Haematology Laboratory-Unit of Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; [email protected] 3 Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Central nervous system malignancies (CNSMs) are categorized among the most aggressive and deadly types of cancer. The low median survival in patients with CNSMs is partly explained by the objective difficulties of brain surgeries as well as by the acquired chemoresistance of CNSM cells. Flow Cytometry is an analytical technique with the ability to quantify cell phenotype and to categorize cell populations on the basis of their characteristics. In the current review, we summarize the Flow Cytometry methodologies that have been used to study different phenotypic aspects of CNSMs. These include DNA content analysis for the determination of malignancy status and phenotypic characterization, as well as the methodologies used during the development of novel therapeutic agents. We conclude with the historical and current utility of Flow Cytometry in the field, and we propose how we can exploit current and possible future methodologies in the battle against this dreadful type of malignancy. Citation: Vartholomatos, E.; Keywords: central nervous system malignancies; flow cytometry; glioblastoma; intraoperative flow Vartholomatos, G.; Alexiou, G.A.; cytometry; phenotypic analysis; DNA content analysis Markopoulos, G.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Preliminary Experiment for Cell Count Using Flow Cytometry1 Yuki Morono,2 Jens Kallmeyer,2 Fumio Inagaki,2 and the Expedition 329 Scientists2
    D’Hondt, S., Inagaki, F., Alvarez Zarikian, C.A., and the Expedition 329 Scientists Proceedings of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program, Volume 329 Preliminary experiment for cell count using flow cytometry1 Yuki Morono,2 Jens Kallmeyer,2 Fumio Inagaki,2 and the Expedition 329 Scientists2 Chapter contents Abstract Abstract . 1 One of the major challenges in microbial ecology is to evaluate the accurate number of living cells in a natural environment. Cell Introduction . 1 count using flow cytometry is a powerful, high-throughput tech- Principles of fluorescent wavelength–based cell discrimination. 2 nique that has widely been used for aquatic habitats but not for sedimentary environments because mineral grains interfere with Standardization of flow cytometry cell count protocol for South Pacific Gyre sediment . 2 cell detection. During Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedi- Results and discussion. 3 tion 329, we tested several sample preparation methods for on- board cell counting using flow cytometry with various pelagic Conclusion and future prospects . 6 sediments from the South Pacific Gyre. The cell numbers acquired Acknowledgments. 6 from shallow sediments are almost consistent with microscopic References . 6 direct counts (i.e., ~105 cells/cm3). Yet, the method needs im- Figures . 7 provement and standardization to reduce the background signal and to lower the minimum detection limit for deep sedimentary habitats with very low cell densities (i.e., <1000 cells/cm3). Introduction Detection and enumeration of microbial life in marine subsurface environments provides primary information for deciphering the extent and habitability of Earth’s biosphere. Hence, accurate and precise knowledge of microbial cell abundance at high spatial res- olution is a major challenge for the exploration of subsurface life.
    [Show full text]
  • A Deep Profiler's Guide to Cytometry
    TREIMM-937; No. of Pages 10 Review A deep profiler’s guide to cytometry 1 1 2 2 Sean C. Bendall , Garry P. Nolan , Mario Roederer and Pratip K. Chattopadhyay 1 Baxter Laboratory in Stem Cell Biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA 2 ImmunoTechnology Section, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA In recent years, advances in technology have provided us and data analysis, and have led to state-of-the-art 20-pa- with tools to quantify the expression of multiple genes in rameter flow cytometers. Concomitant with this develop- individual cells. The ability to measure simultaneously ment, our understanding of immunology and stem cell multiple genes in the same cell is necessary to resolve biology has matured tremendously with the discovery of the great diversity of cell subsets, as well as to define scores of functionally diverse cell populations. Here, we their function in the host. Fluorescence-based flow cyto- review the development and highlight applications of poly- metry is the benchmark for this; with it, we can quantify chromatic flow cytometry (PFC, 6+ colors). In addition, we 18 proteins per cell, at >10 000 cells/s. Mass cytometry is review recent advances in a next-generation, ‘post-fluores- a new technology that promises to extend these capa- cence’ single-cell technology termed mass cytometry, which bilities significantly. Immunophenotyping by mass spec- is theoretically capable of measuring 70–100 parameters. trometry provides the ability to measure >36 proteins at Both fluorescence and mass cytometry have unique and a rate of 1000 cells/s.
    [Show full text]
  • An Aptamer-Based Magnetic Flow Cytometer Using Matched Filtering
    Biosensors and Bioelectronics 169 (2020) 112362 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Biosensors and Bioelectronics journal homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/bios An aptamer-based magnetic flow cytometer using matched filtering Chih-Cheng Huang a, Partha Ray b, Matthew Chan c, Xiahan Zhou c, Drew A. Hall c,d,* a Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California – San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA b Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA c Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California – San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA d Department of Bioengineering, University of California – San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Facing unprecedented population-ageing, the management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) urgently needs Aptasensor a point-of-care (PoC) testing infrastructure. Magnetic flow cytometers are one such solution for rapid cancer Flow cytometry cellular detection in a PoC setting. In this work, we report a giant magnetoresistive spin-valve (GMR SV) Magnetic biosensor biosensor array with a multi-stripe sensor geometry and matched filteringto improve detection accuracy without Matched filtering compromising throughput. The carefully designed sensor geometry generates a characteristic signature when Pancreatic cancer Point-of-Care (PoC) testing cells labeled with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) pass by thus enabling multi-parametric measurement like optical flow cytometers (FCMs). Enumeration and multi-parametric information were successfully measured across two decades of throughput (37 — 2730 cells/min). 10-μm polymer microspheres were used as a bio­ mimetic model where MNPs and MNP-decorated polymer conjugates were flown over the GMR SV sensor array and detected with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as low as 2.5 dB due to the processing gain afforded by the matched filtering.
    [Show full text]
  • Biotechnology Past, Present and Potential
    4i-"l 11- HONORARY FELLOW'S ADDRESS TO IFST 20TH ANNIVERSARY SYMPOSIUM - 16 OCT. 1985 MANCHESTER, ENGLAND IDRC - 1-lb BIOTECHNOLOGY PAST, PRESENT AND POTENTIAL BY: JOSEPH H. HULSE* BIOTECHNOLOGY: ANCIENT AND MODERN Louis Pasteur wrote "There are no applied sciences; there are only applications of science...The study of the application of science is very easy to anyone who is master of the theory". A few years later Lord Kelvin instructed us that "If you can measure that of which you speak, and can express it by a number, you know something of your subject. But if you cannot measure it, your knowledge is meagre and unsatisfactory." It would indeed be interesting to know what the spirits of these distinguished scientists are thinkinq about "Biotechnology" which takes within its broad embrace remarkable new knowledge in cell and molecular biology; some very ancient technologies; together with a large swatch of enpirical observations and discoveries, many of which remain far distant from viable technological application. Fermentation technologies have a very long history: beer, wine, bread and cheese having been around as long as cereals and vine fruits have been harvested and animais have been milked. Homer described wine as a qift from the Gods and Ecclesiasticus wisely advised that "From the beginning wine was created to make men joyful, not to make them drunk." Though ethanolic fermentations have been most pervasive, lactic and other acidic fermentations have appeared in greater diversity, particularly in traditional domestic processes of preservation. The ancient Sumerians 7,000 years ago converted all their milk into cheese in the stated belief that had God intended mankind to have clean milk to drink he would have placed the udders at the front end of the cow.
    [Show full text]
  • Bioelectronics & Nanotechnology
    Bioelectronics & Nanotechnology A Master Degree in Biomedical Sciences – two years – full-time/part-time This unique master degree programme focuses on a novel and interdisciplinary scientific domain at the boundaries between physics, chemistry, electro- nics, and biomedical sciences. Fifty years ago, shortly after J. Watson and F. Crick successfully solved the structure of DNA using X-ray diffraction, R. Feynman made his visionary statement: “There’s plenty of room at the bottom”, with which he effectively heralded the new era of nanosciences. Since that time, research into “functi- onal” molecules and nanomaterials has developed into one of the most important scientific disciplines of today. This is triggered by the fact that a broad range of nanoscopic techniques has become available to study molecules directly at their own length scale and to understand their complex properties. The master programme offers a strong foundation in all fundamental scientific aspects and provides, in addition, an in depth introduction into several important application areas. Topics range from integrated detection and characterization techniques for molecules (biosensors) to the nanoscale engi- neering of implant materials, and the working principles of medical devices like neurochips and pacemakers. The curriculum of this programme was jointly developed by physicists, chemists, clinical and biomedical researchers, and engineers specialized in medi- cal instrumentation. The programme ensures therefore a broad overview of the domain of bioelectronics and nanotechnology and enables the graduates to develop their individual skills for a successful career in interdisciplinary research- and development environments. What are your career prospects ? Educational Concept • Applied and fundamental research at universities, hospitals, and research In view of the international profile of this degree programme, English langu- centers.
    [Show full text]
  • Science & Technology Trends 2020-2040
    Science & Technology Trends 2020-2040 Exploring the S&T Edge NATO Science & Technology Organization DISCLAIMER The research and analysis underlying this report and its conclusions were conducted by the NATO S&T Organization (STO) drawing upon the support of the Alliance’s defence S&T community, NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA). This report does not represent the official opinion or position of NATO or individual governments, but provides considered advice to NATO and Nations’ leadership on significant S&T issues. D.F. Reding J. Eaton NATO Science & Technology Organization Office of the Chief Scientist NATO Headquarters B-1110 Brussels Belgium http:\www.sto.nato.int Distributed free of charge for informational purposes; hard copies may be obtained on request, subject to availability from the NATO Office of the Chief Scientist. The sale and reproduction of this report for commercial purposes is prohibited. Extracts may be used for bona fide educational and informational purposes subject to attribution to the NATO S&T Organization. Unless otherwise credited all non-original graphics are used under Creative Commons licensing (for original sources see https://commons.wikimedia.org and https://www.pxfuel.com/). All icon-based graphics are derived from Microsoft® Office and are used royalty-free. Copyright © NATO Science & Technology Organization, 2020 First published, March 2020 Foreword As the world Science & Tech- changes, so does nology Trends: our Alliance. 2020-2040 pro- NATO adapts. vides an assess- We continue to ment of the im- work together as pact of S&T ad- a community of vances over the like-minded na- next 20 years tions, seeking to on the Alliance.
    [Show full text]