This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Our research group is applying advanced fluorescence methodology to study relevant biomedical processes. Via collaboration with an industrial partner that specializes in fluorescence technology, we have access to novel laser induced fluorescence instrumentation that can capture wavelength-time matrices (WTMs), which consist of fluorescence decay curves generated at a series of emission wavelengths. Our ability to rapidly collect and analyze WTMs motivates the search for dyes whose lifetimes are environmentally sensitive. Such ?lifetime probes? and affordable instrumentation developed by our industrial partner opens up opportunities to simplify probe design and expand multiplexing strategies for SNP detection and quantitative PCR. Much of the first nine months of the project was taken up with creating the infrastructure necessary to conduct the research and with training the undergraduate students in manipulation of biological materials, data collection, and data analysis. The research laboratory was doubled in size and completely renovated. Essential laboratory items (i.e. freezer, autoclave, multi-channel pipets) and a custom modified commercial fluorimeter with lifetime capability were delivered and installed. A faculty search for a molecular biologist was successfully concluded and this person has been fully integrated into the research project since January 2005. Four undergraduates have been participating in the research on a quarter-time basis during the academic year; three of these students will conduct full-time research in the summer of 2005. Three new students (one junior and two sophomores) plan to join the program in the fall. Preliminary lifetime studies have been conducted on laser dyes. The desired lifetime measurement precision of ten picoseconds or better has been met. Initial studies into the more challenging lifetime probe-target systems are underway. During the next year we plan to develop a library of lifetime probes and improve procedures to evaluate dyes as candidates for lifetime probes.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 98 publications
