Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

We request funds for a configurable system that combines automated digital widefield microscopy with conventional multi-mode microplate reading, herein referred to as the Cytation5. The Cytation5 has the capability to provide quantitative data and phenotypic cellular information, improving workflows that would traditionally require multiple instruments and software interfaces. The imaging system will be central to our NSERC-funded research programs that span from neurodevelopment to regenerative medicine, to evolutionary biology. Currently, the microscopy facilities we have access to are outdated, overcrowded, and require extensive training of HQPs. The Cytation 5 will modernize the existing infrastructure and meet the growing needs of our trainees, maximizing our research capacities. The Cytation5 is equipped with brightfield, phase-contrast, and epi-fluorescence capabilities to identify, measure and monitor numerous cellular functions and fluorophores in a wide array of tissue and live cells. The requested system is equipped with a CO2 controller that will enable live imaging and allow our groups to expand the capabilities of our research. In addition, the Cytation5 is built around a multi-mode microplate reader, which will further expand our skills to include techniques such as ELISA, FRET, and luciferase assays, allowing for unmatched versatility and performance. The requested equipment will be housed within the Cell and Molecular Biology Core Facility, to expand the number of groups that can access it and assist with training of HQPs and maintaining costs. An abundance of projects in the department currently depend on microscopy imaging and quantitative cellular analysis, plus the Department is witnessing a growing phase with the hiring of 4 young PIs in the past 3 years and 4 more incoming in the next 2 years. Therefore, it is expected that the proposed system will directly support the training of 25-30 HQPs annually, increasing the level of their marketable skills.