Mapping microscopic viscosity and temperature using molecular rotors

In a cell, viscosity can play a role in several diffusion mediated processes, such as drug delivery, signalling and mass transport. Previously, alterations in viscosity in cells and organs have been linked to malfunction; however, mapping viscosity on a single-cell scale remains a challenge. Kuimova’s lab has imaged viscosity inside lipid mono- and bi-layers, in cells and in atmospheric aerosol particles using fluorescent probes, called molecular rotors. The talk will cover the recent developments of this technique, such as genetic and passive targeting of rotors and applications to monitoring neurodegeneration.

About the speaker
Marina Kuimova is a Reader (Associate Professor) at Imperial College London. Her current research is focused on elucidation of biologically relevant processes using different types of fluorescence imaging and time-resolved spectroscopy. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a member of the Editorial Board of Methods and Applications of Fluorescence. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work.