Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Flow cytometry is a staple technique which provides state-of-the art analysis of the characteristics of cells and particles. The Windsor-Essex region has over $30M in research funding and a large base of productive NSERC funded faculty which depend on this technology. An initial ~$1M investment by CFI in 2015 funded the purchase of two machines, a BD FACSAria III Fusion Cell Sorter and a BD LSR Fortessa X20 Cell Analyzer, which function as work horses to support the flow cytometry needs in this region. There is literally no other back up option for these researchers. This proposal is toward adding to this equipment to include high throughput modules that will speed up processing, allow for small sample volumes to be used and will alleviate some of the technical time spent running the machine by our PhD level core manager. This application also includes an update to the software for these machines which will provide a remote portal license that permits students and trainees to analyze their data on their own computers, thereby elevating the quality of their learning and opening up the machines for sample processing by other users. Acquiring modules to upgrade this facility to be capable of sorting and analyzing small volume samples in a high throughput manner will enable new types of experiments and analysis to be conducted within the Windsor region. This will elevate the training experience for many students and will propel up to 22 NSERC funded labs forward within the first few years after purchase. This investment will also bring new users to the facility, increasing the reach of this investment and supporting the long-term viability of these important machines.