Workshops

Molecular dynamics simulations have become a standard method in the biophysical toolbox. Yet, setting up a simulation properly remains a somewhat challenging task. In this workshop we will learn to set up simulations of a small peptide under different external conditions. We will go through the different relevant steps from creating a definition of the molecular system, the conversion of coordinate files, energy minimization, solvation, equilibration and finally running a simulation.

NOTE: Participants should bring own computer with the possibility of WIFI connecting.

Setting up and running a molecular dynamics simulation is one step, and watching the resulting movie can be very exciting. However, extracting biophysically relevant information from the generated ensemble is what is really needed to bring the use of molecular simulations to the usable level. In this workshop we will analyze the trajectories that were generated in the first workshop, to study the structure and dynamics of a small peptide, and to possibly study the agreement between the simulations and experiments.

NOTE: Participants should bring own computer with the possibility of WIFI connecting.

Dynamic (DLS) and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) are becoming essential tools for determining size of biomacromolecules, monitor aggregation processes and binding of the ligands. In this workshop participants will be introduced to the theory of DLS measurements for the particle size distribution of dispersed samples from sub-nanometer to micrometer range. The determination of particle mobility and charge (zeta potential) will be demonstrated and participants will be able to get more insight into the system hardware and the power of software features.

The STEDYCON is a completely new class of nanoscope. It transforms a conventional epifluorescence microscope into a powerful confocal multicolor and STED system. At the same time, it is incredibly compact. The STEDYCON offers 2D STED performance with a resolution of approximately 30 nm. Capture your STED image at the touch of a button, no post-processing required. We hereby invite you to try STEDYCON for yourself. We look forward to seeing you at the workshop with your samples.

In this workshop PHI HoloMonitor® M4 will be used to demonstrate label-free live cell imaging based on the principle of quantitative phase imaging, enabling non-invasive visualization and quantification of living cells without compromising cell integrity.

A microplate reader that can detect two or more applications is considered a multi-mode plate reader. Typically, the system can detect absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence, and even make more specialized fluorescence measurements like time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) and fluorescence polarization (FP). Other technologies such as imaging, alphascreen or western blot detection can be added to some multi-mode plate readers. In this workshop a multi-mode microplate reader from Molecular Devices will be used to demonstrate how the systems works, when to use different modes, why to use them and how.

With the APEXVIEW APX100 all-in-one optical system, researchers unfamiliar with microscopes can quickly learn how to operate the system and acquire publication-quality images, while microscopy experts will appreciate the system’s automation and optimized workflow. This means you can easily capture publication-quality images for a wide range of applications. If you have experienced that the images at the edges of a well in a multi-well plate are not as sharp or the contrast is poor when using oblique contrast and DIC, you can try the unique gradient contrast method and create sample images for publication purposes. We hereby invite you to try out the APX100 for yourself. We look forward to seeing you at the workshop with your samples.