Acquisition of an automated EM specimen processor, mPrep ASP-1000 for University of Maryland Baltimore Core Facility
Abstract
Acquisition of an automated EM specimen processor, mPrep ASP-1000 for University of Maryland Baltimore Core Facility This proposal requests funding to purchase a mPrep SP-1000 automated EM specimen processor by Microscopy Innovations LLC, WI, USA. This instrument is a newly developed robotic platform that is capable of processing electron microscopy (EM) specimens for embedding, staining and labeling in an automated fashion. The instrument will reduce EM specimen processing time, improves reproducibility, quality and workflow of all the research projects conducted in the Electron Microscopy Core Imaging Facility (EMCIF) at the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB). Specifically, the research of at least three Department of Defense (DoD) funded UMB investigators will benefit from the acquisition of the mPrep ASP-1000. Dr. Fiskum studies mitochondrial morphology and functionality changes in trauma brain injury and platelet cells in storage media. Dr. ShirtliffÕs research aims are to identify and characterize biofilm specific proteins as vaccine targets to prevent battlefield musculoskeletal infections caused by biofilm-forming microbes. Dr. SimonÕs research aims to develop novel vaccines to prevent wound infections commonly caused by bacteria such as Klebsiella and Pseudomonas. Broad ranging UMB research that is relevant to the DoD mission in the fields of virology, cancer biology, obesity, diabetes, muscular biology, vascular biology, infectious diseases, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies will also benefit greatly from the acquisition of the mPrep ASP-1000. The instrument will be used to train students, postdocs and staff researchers on the applications and development of innovative EM techniques in multidisciplinary research, many of which have biomedical significance and/or DoD relevance. Therefore, the impact of the acquisition of the mPrep ASP-1000 will most likely extend beyond the scope of research described in this proposal.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 07, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710148
Entities
People
- Ru-ching Hsia
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Maryland, Baltimore