· Proposal/Beamtime request link (Public & Proprietary)
· End-of-Run Report
· Reporting Publications
· Getting new user
Scientific Target
What experiments can be performed and what information can be extracted?
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy including Infrared spectral analysis and chemical images.
- FTIR investigations in transmission operation mode of human/animal single cells and tissues.
- FTIR spectral analysis at extreme conditions (heating, stretching, high pressure, etc.) in the mid and far infrared frequency ranges.
The technique is able to identify the vibrational signatures at the molecular level of the materials and therefore detect the chemical composition of the investigated samples. For example in biological samples, this will allow to visualize the distribution and changes in the chemical structure of the lipids, esters, proteins, collagen, sugars and phosphates.
Beamline Q&A
Sample preparation Q&A
- Are fully prepared samples required: YES
Biological samples should be already prepared, fixed (inactivated biologically) and deposited on FTIR transparent substrate. Only samples of BSL 1 can be measured at MIRAS.
- Can sample material be prepared by ALBA staff and what are the required conditions of these materials: NO
Sample preparation of BSL 1 and/or 2 can be prepared at ALBA by the users. Sample preparation including BSL 3 cannot be performed at ALBA.
- Are there any specific safety requirements: YES
At the infrared endstation, the users will be in direct contact with the samples. Therefore, the biological samples should be fully fixed (inactivated biologically). Only samples of BSL 1 can be measured at MIRAS. Important note: the chemicals of the fixation material can contaminate/influence the output FTIR spectra due to the sensitivity of the technique.
Availability
Beamline is in standby mode: some working days after receiving proposal request are needed. Regarding to the infrared microspectroscopy technique, the sample preparation (fixation and deactivation) is critical to ensure a successful experiment. In addition, previous knowledge of the biological mechanism of the treatment/vaccination of biological cells/tissues should be well understood in order to obtain useful interpretation of the infrared spectral signatures. Therefore, additional time (one – two months at least) will be required between submitting the proposal and performing the experiment.
Accessmode
Data analysis can be provided for public users by beamline staff, if beamline staff has co-authorship to publication.
Data analysis can be provided for proprietary work by beamline staff, if required data analysis effort is explicitly included in quotation
Data format
Data and metadata are available in special format of OPUS software, this software is available through remote access for users.
In case of need data can be converted to ASCII.
