Nanocharacterization laboratory
Nanocharacterization Laboratory
Studying interactions between nanoparticles and the biological environment using atomic force microscopy combined with micro-spectroscopy.
Synthesis, characterization, and study of protein corona formation on nanoparticles at the single-particle level.
AFM-based study of mammalian and plant cells — topography, surface adhesion, and mechanical properties.
Large-area surface scans, nanodrug formulation characterization, and expert consulting in nanoparticle synthesis.
Research topics
Nanoparticles. Our laboratory holds or has contributed to several patents focused on nanoparticle synthesis and nanomaterial modification. We characterize optical properties, topology, and mechanical behavior using AFM, as well as size distribution and surface charge via DLS and zeta potential.
Protein corona. The protein corona determines the fate of nanoparticles in living organisms. In project GAČR 24-11110S (2024–2026), we study both single-nanoparticle and ensemble protein corona formation to reveal subtleties missed by conventional ensemble-based methods.
Mammalian cell mechanoscopy. Our AFM measures standard and peak force curves, allowing detection of subtle changes in cell health and membrane behavior.
Plant cell studies. Our group is part of the core team of COST project CA24116 (2025–2029), where AFM bridges the gap between TEM/SEM and optical microscopy, providing data on topography, surface adhesion, and mechanical properties.
The instrument
Our core instrument is an AFM NanoWizard 3 (JPK) with a PeakForce upgrade (Bruker), mounted above an inverted optical microscope (Olympus IX-73). The top port supports an EM-CCD camera (ProEM1024); the side port is coupled to a micro-spectroscopy setup with a monochromator (Acton SpectraPro-2358i) and a nitrogen-cooled CCD camera (Princeton Instruments Spec-10:400 DDBI).
Optical excitation is available at 405 nm (pulsed, <2 ns rise/fall), 633 nm, 473 nm, and 375 nm (CW), as well as white light and various LED sources, all coupled into the same optical path.
- Large-area scans: up to 400 µm × 400 µm
- Vertical resolution: down to 0.1 nm
- Modes: topography, adhesion, mechanical properties
Chemistry laboratory
The laboratory is standardly equipped for chemical and biological sample preparation, including precise scales, a fume hood, and a DI water source.
- CO2 incubator (LabLine, Trigon-plus s.r.o.)
- PCR cabinet (ESCO)
- Thermal bath (Memmert)
- Absorption spectrometer Specord 250 (Analytic Jena)
- Oven up to 2500 °C with inert atmosphere
- Hot plate up to 500 °C
- Tube furnace (Carbolite Gero) up to 3000 °C with inert atmosphere
