Marcin Wachowski (WUT) in National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) in Tsukuba

Between 11 October 2013 and 10 December 2013 I have visited National Institute for Environmental Studies in Tsukuba, Japan. At this time I have carried out the experiments which were necessary to produce a data about the nanoparticles. Obtained results were combined with the results received by Przemek Oberbek and Tomasz Bolek during the previous visits in NIES. The data was gathered using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and  dynamic light scattering (DLS). To check cell-particles association 8 samples were investigated using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Moreover on 10 additional types of nanoparticles the experiments using  BET Surface Area Measurement were carried out. At the end of the visit in Institute most of objectives from second Work Package „Carrying out experiments to produce necessary (missing) data for NPs” were achieved and necessary data for chosen NPs were gathered successfully. Only some characterizations and experiments of nanoparticles using scanning electron microscope (SEM) will be closed in Poland. Additionally, I have performed WST8 tests on human osteoblast cells which were crucial for this project, and that gave me some additional skills and knowledge about handling in biological lab

Because I was always looking for a chance to develop my practical skills in microscopy, one of the aim of my visit in NIES was getting a lot of experience and new knowledge about working on laser confocal microscope and atomic force microscope. During my 2 months of work in NIES I gained a lot of experience, practice and new knowledge about the advanced microscopes.