The development of small organic molecules used as labels and sensors for application in fluorescence microscopy, with special regard to two-photon microscopy.

In neuroscience, one of the most widespread methods for monitoring neuronal activity is the observation of calcium signals that change in response to neural activity using microscopy. Fluorescent indicator compounds make this possible through microscopic techniques.

In biology, zinc ions play a distinguished role, and monitoring their concentration enables a deeper understanding of various processes and diseases. I am developing fluorescent sensors that make such monitoring possible through fluorescence microscopy techniques.

Fluorescent microscopy relies on fluorescent indicator compounds, whose core functional element is the fluorophore unit. Only a few families of small organic molecules are used as fluorophores, and their properties have already been optimized to the limits. However, the development of new fluorophore scaffolds has received relatively little attention. In my research, I aim to design and develop such novel compounds by structurally rigidifying the chromophore of the green fluorescent protein.