Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Summary of Proposal for Public Release The University of Waterloo requires a Cytation 5 Cell Imaging and Multi-Mode reader that combines automated digital microscopy with multi-mode microplate bioreader that is able to provide phenotypic cellular information and quantitative measurements of cell biochemistry. This is required for conducting research on the efficacy and tolerability of new medical device materials and pharmaceuticals. This reader is a new instrument that provides high quality imaging at the cellular and subcellular levels in both 2D and 3D. Imaging combined with quantitative information provides phenotypic cellular information with assessments of changes in cell metabolism and cell physiology. This system will serve nine faculty members in five different Departments/Schools at the University of Waterloo, namely Optometry, Pharmacy, Systems Design Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Kinesiology. Cytotoxicity and cell functionality assays are a crucial part of medical device and bio-pharmaceutical evaluations. This proposed system allows for the fusion of imaging and quantitative assessments of a wide array of fluorescent probes which allows for rich visualization and multiple quantitative assessments to be performed on the same cells. These features offer substantial advantages over traditional cytotoxicity measurements, that can assess only a few physiological effects at one time. This instrument will greatly enhance the University of Waterloo's capabilities for detecting the effects of chemicals and biomaterials on cells and tissues.