Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

<p>The advanced microplate reader that is requested is an optical instruments that allow incredibly high throughput measurements of many different kinds. &gt;1500 samples, each in quantities as low as one microlitre, can be studied all at the same time. Hundreds of data points are obtained for each sample, and combine to fully describe the chemical and biochemical nature of each sample. The liquids handler is a companion instrument that robotically dispenses the tiny volumes of different solutions into each compartment of the microwell plates that are used by the plate reader.</p><p >The requested instrument would be the only one with its capabilities on Vancouver Island. The instrument is central to many kinds of research: the seven co-applicants have interests in developing new cancer and influenza therapeutics, in understanding the basics of bacterial behavior and cell biology, in understanding nitrogen usage in the roots of plants, in materials science, and in catalytic chemical processes. Our scientific studies connect to such diverse societal issues as cancer, infectious disease, agriculture and forestry, energy, smart materials, and chemical manufacturing. We invent new analytical methods that use microplate reader technology, and the versatile microplate reader is a central, shared resource that is critically needed for us to make our promised advancements in all of these areas.</p>