Microscopy and Tools

1. Flagship super-resolution platforms

MAxSIM — multi-angle-crossing structured illumination with height-controlled mirror (custom) Real-time, live-cell super-resolution to map plasma-membrane topology and 3D single molecule tracking (3D-SMT) in near real-time (0.5-1 Hz) in live cells. Quantifies curvature and domain enrichment during stress adaptation and invasive transitions.

SIM — Structured Illumination Microscope (custom) Fully customizable 2D/3D, 4-color super-resolution workflows. Used to resolve membrane domains and receptor co-localization at the nanoscale.

2. Live-cell imaging & photomanipulation

Spinning-Disk Confocal High-speed volumetric imaging with environmental control for live cells. Ideal for tracking cytoskeletal remodeling and rapid signaling responses.

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) and single molecule tracking Selective imaging of the ~100–200-nm membrane–glass interface for single-molecule recruitment, exo/endocytic events, and receptor trafficking at the plasma membrane.

FRAPPA photomanipulation module ROI-targeted photobleaching/photoactivation for diffusion, turnover, and trafficking kinetics; integrates with confocal and TIRF modalities.

3. Mechanics & biophysics measurements

Nanoindenter (Optics11 Chiaro) Sub-nanoNewton force measurements of cells and tissues to quantify elastic modulus, cortical stiffness, and viscoelastic responses during mechanical stress.

4. AI & analysis pipelines

AI & Computational Pipelines CNN-based pathology classification of IHC and H&E image trained DCIS risk stratification and custom MAxSIM analysis. Selected repositories available on GitHub

Axial interferometry with HCM
Tools the Chung Lab uses
CHung Lab HCM, patent pending
3D-SMT of HER2, enabled by MAxSIM
3D-SMT of HER2, enabled by MAxSIM
(Gardeazabal Rodriguez, …, Chung. Commun Biol 6, 1034 (2023). 
Plasma Membrane Dynamics, image by our 2D-structured illumination microscope
Plasma membrane dynamics, images by our 2D-structured illumination microscope (2D-SIM)