Colorful scientific illustration of an enzyme. A complex yellow ribbon structure represents the enzyme's folded protein chains, while green molecular shapes interact with the enzyme's active site. A twisted green strand on the left indicates a substrate or cofactor. Surrounding the enzyme are abstract blue water molecules and bubbles.
Synthetic biology, AI-driven analysis reveal new polymer-targeting enzymes
A 3D rendering of a large, white protein complex bound to a purple strand of guide RNA, which is aligned with a blue double-helix DNA strand. The background is a soft gray with scattered, blurred molecular shapes.
Subtle edits yield big results in microbes

Bioimaging and Analytics

Harnessing analytical technologies to quantify biological function at the molecular scale

Scientists working in the Bioimaging and Analytics section at Oak Ridge National Laboratory focus on delivering innovative solutions to biological and environmental systems science measurement challenges. The team strives to understand the molecular composition, physical structure, and biological function of living systems across different scales and time frames. The section also serves as a focal point for the convergence of unique laboratory resources related to computing, engineering, and the physical sciences. Nanotechnology-based tools, neutron science-based measurements, quantum-based technologies, and new data analysis approaches are leveraged to reveal quantifiable biological system characteristics.

Key research focuses on the advancement and application of high-performance mass spectrometry methods, nuclear magnetic resonance, and laser-based spectroscopies. These techniques enable researchers to thoroughly characterize metals, metabolites, proteins, and other biomolecules, revealing complex molecular interactions and processes. By achieving detailed chemical characterization, scientists gain insights critical to unraveling biological functions and dynamics.

Other major research focuses on biological and chemical imaging. Scientists develop engineered habitats and advanced imaging techniques specifically designed to facilitate live imaging and efficient sample characterization. These approaches provide unprecedented access to real-time biological processes within living organisms. 

These advanced methods significantly enhance the accuracy of biological measurements and analyses, empowering scientists to precisely interrogate biological pathways and functions across systems scales.

We utilize diverse measurement approaches and emerging nano- and quantum-based technologies — combined with sophisticated data analysis strategies — to quantify biological characteristics across physical and temporal scales.

- Mitch Doktycz
Madhavi Martin using LIBS equipment

Biomaterials and Biomass Characterization 

Employing laser and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to characterize plant biomass, biomass conversion processes for fuels, processes for reusing and upcycling polymers, and producing bioderived materials, including 3D-printed polymers and composites

Scientist in a white lab coat operating a mass spectrometry instrument in a laboratory, with liquid containers and a touchscreen interface visible on the equipment.

 

Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry

Developing and deploying high-performance mass spectrometry techniques for analytical characterization and chemical imaging of non-volatile biomolecules, including proteomes and metabolomes

researcher with mass spectrometer

 

Molecular and Cellular Imaging 

Defining how natural systems are organized at the molecular scale and understanding how this organization contributes to complex behavior and emergent biological function