Alexandra Porter

Alexandra’s research uses high resolution electron microscopy to visualize interactions between cells and bio- or nano-materials. Her current interest is to develop novel methodologies to image nanoparticles within cellular compartments using novel TEM techniques such as 3-D electron tomography and energy-filtered TEM. The overall goal of this work is to understand the impact of synthetic nanoparticles on human health and the environment. She is also involved in applying these techniques to characterise interfaces between tissues and biomaterials (e.g. hydroxyapatite) at high resolution and to understand aging and disease of human tissues (e.g. Osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s Disease).ResearchZero-loss energy filtered TEM image of SWNTs inside the nucleus of a human macrophage cell (4 days exposure). Inset – individual SWNTs. c-cytoplasm. Reconstructed phase image of apatite crystals in aged dentin (human teeth).