High-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy * Super-resolution Imaging * Single Particle Imaging and Tracking * Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging * Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy * Atomic Force Microscopy * Optical Tweezers
Welcome to the SMART Center: Single Molecule Analysis in Real-Time!
The SMART Center is an NSF-seeded microscopy core facility that provides university researchers with imaging and manipulation tools to detect, track, manipulate, and analyze biomolecules with unprecedented detail. Our services include comprehensive training, data acquisition support, and experienced consultation on experimental design and analysis.
We aim to develop a university-wide initiative in single molecule technology—encompassing single molecule spectroscopy (SMS) and imaging (SMI), laser tweezers (LT), and atomic force microscopy (AFM)—to unite basic scientists, engineers, and clinical researchers in addressing critical questions in medicine and nanotechnology.
We provide services to University of Michigan researchers, as well as external academic and commercial researchers, across all scientific areas, with a particular focus on RNA Biomedicine.
Open consultations are available every Monday / Thursday, 10 AM - 12 PM in CHEM 3080. Drop by for a short presentation and brainstorming session to discuss potential applications for your research.
Our Services
Service Categories: Cell-Based Research; Data Tools and Analysis; Imaging
We offer a range of specialized spectroscopy and imaging techniques, including:
- Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy: Features methods like fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, photon counting histograms, and single molecule FRET.
- Force Spectroscopy: Includes atomic force microscopy and optical tweezers for precise molecular manipulation.
- Advanced Imaging: Offers atomic force microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging, multicolor TIRF or widefield fluorescence imaging and particle tracking, and super-resolution techniques such as PALM/STORM and DNA-PAINT.
Training is available for data analysis and workflow development, image analysis, microscope usage and data acquisition, and quantitative image analysis.
Instruments & Scheduling Time
To schedule time on an instrument or submit a project request, visit our MiCORES Reservation System. If you do not have a MiCORES account, see instructions to register on the Rates and Requesting Time page.
SMART Center Contacts
| Damon Hoff | SMART Center Manager | CHEM 3080 | (734) 763-5449 | hoffj@umich.edu |
| Nils Walter | SMART Center Director | CHEM 2405 | (734) 615-2060 | nwalter@umich.edu |
