Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The Nanomedicine and Chemical Biology research group within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia is interested in rapidly expanding their imaging capabilities in various areas of research by acquiring a state-of-the-art laser scanner system. This laser scanning system, which will be housed in a research infrastructure cluster within the Pharmaceutical Sciences building on the UBC Vancouver campus to fulfill the diverse needs of our scientists, is versatile and essential equipment with the broadest range of quantitative imaging modalities currently available. In addition to chemiluminescence that is routinely used for protein detection on Western blots to identify specific proteins, another key feature unique for this laser scanner is its four-colour (blue, green, red, and near infrared) fluorescence detection and quantification that allows for multiplexed imaging for complex samples. The laser scanner is also capable of radioactive signal detection through filmless autoradiography with the widest linear dynamic currently available. All of these advanced imaging techniques will enable us to bring our science to life through the awesome power of molecular, cellular, and tissue visualization. The acquisition of this multi-use and multi-user laser imager will help elevate the excellence of our research team and provide accessible training opportunities for many Canadian researchers at all career levels.