Projects
PURCHASE OF A BENCHTOP LASER-SCANNING CONFOCAL MICROSCOPE (LSCM) SYSTEM FOR HIGH RESOLUTION VISUALIZATION OF LIVING CELLS AND ORGANOIDS
Topic: Influenza
Summary
Non Technical Summary
This project is for the funding of a tabletop laser scanning confocal microscope, a type of microscope that can provide very thin levels of illumination at many different wavelengths of light to stimulate different color fluorescent dyes and proteins. These scans of laser light can then be stacked together to provide compelling 3D renderings of cells and organoids, which provide a greater level of information because of this increased depth and perspective. In addition, the analysis software for the instrument will allow the quantitative measurements of interactions between proteins in a cell (either living or fixed), or in following the dynamics of cellular processes through timelapse imaging and movie file generation.
Objectives & Deliverables
Goals / Objectives
The major goal of this project is to purchase, install and train investigators, graduate students, postdocs and research associates on the use of a table top laser scanning confocal microscope system. The projects to utilize this instrument and the associated analysis software will span avian infectious diseases (Marek's disease, avian influenza, etc.), to intestinal organoid development and characterization, to basic physiological processes.
Challenges
Project Methods
For this instrument purchase, we initially worked with Andor to generate images comparing them to our exisiting epifluorescence microscope. This Andor BC-43 instrument was the prototype for drafting this proposal. Since our notification for recommendation for funding, we have also tested two additional systems in the same price range, with the same or nearly identical capabilities (from ECHO and Molecular Dynamics). The investigator team will then meet to decide on what system has the greatest range of capabilities, ease of use and durability. Conseequently, the USDA will be funding the absolute best system for accomplishing the goals laid out in our proposal.
Principle Investigator(s)
Planned Completion date: 14/09/2029
Effort: $350,000.00
Project Status
ACTIVE
Principal Investigator(s)
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Researcher Organisations
Recipient Organization UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE (N/A) NEWARK,DE 19717
United Kingdom