Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Flow cytometry is the gold standard for analyses and quantification of cellular parameters and cell surface markers on a single-cell level. Flow cytometers can quantitatively measure various cellular responses such as cell viability, cell cycle stage progression, polyploidy analysis, cellular activation status, soluble molecule secretion and is unparalleled in the ability to identify discreet cell populations via immunophenotyping. The BD Accuri C6 flow cytometer is the latest advancement in bench top flow cytometry and has been developed with six optical parameter detection and enhanced, easy-to-use, software to capture all cellular data simultaneously in a high-throughput format. Wholistic data capture allows even the most novice user to acquire meaningful publication quality data using post-acquisition experimental parameter calibration and adjustment, making use of this instrument accessible to all users. The Katzenback research group will use the requested flow cytometer instrumentation to investigate host cell-pathogen interactions in important Canadian aquatic vertebrates and discover novel anti-viral facets of antimicrobial peptides. However, this research is hindered by the lack of flow cytometers at University of Waterloo or surrounding institutions available for use with the biosafety level II pathogens and pathogen-derived products being studied by the applicant. The acquisition of the flow cytometer will permit the applicant to conduct the necessary studies while creating a unique training ground for highly qualified personnel to develop coveted expertise in flow cytometry, fundamental knowledge of fluorescent dye technologies for experimental design, biosafety training for proper manipulation of pathogens and discovery to implementation of novel biotechnologies. Flow cytometers are highly versatile, being used across diverse disciplines including biology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and bioengineering and will have broad appeal and usership by researchers, both internal and external to the University of Waterloo, ensuring maximal utilization of the instrument.