Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

This proposal requests funding for a Research Tools and Instruments Grant, category 1, to purchase a microplate spectrophotometer. The new equipment would be used to support research programs on the physiology of aquatic animals and responses to environmental contaminants such as metals. A new spectrophotometer is needed to replace the very old manual cuvette style spectrophotometer. The old instrument does not have the capabilities required for the developing research program. A spectrophotometer that is capable of reading microplates has been chosen. Microplate spectrophotometers are virtually equal interms of optical quality compared to a traditional cuvette type of spectrophotometer. The microplate capabilities offer a number of distinct advantages including: lower cost per assay, less waste and less hazardouswaste, much higher throughput rates, ease of use, flexibility for adjusting assay parameters, and better data reproducibility. The lower costs per assay is due to the small volumes used with microplate technology. The small volumes in turn reduced the amount of waste produced. One of the real benefits of microplatespectrophotometers is the savings in time. Measurements that used to take hours on the older style spectrophotometers now can be done in a few minutes. The purchase of a microplate spectrophotometer will add new capabilities to the lab research program and allow more relevant measurements. As well, it will encourage better experimental design and more efficient use of resources including the lowering of costs.