Typhoon 5 Biomolecular imager - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT NIU is an R2 university with very diverse research and educational programs. Hundreds of BS, MS, and PhD- level students are currently getting trained by faculty holding active grants sponsored by National Institutes of Health and other agencies committed to public health improvements. The focus of the current research and educational programs range from small molecule sensors for protein targets to molecular biology of cancer; the projects are housed at multiple departments (i.e. Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, College of Public Health, and others). Current interdepartmental research infrastructure effectively supports ongoing research and training activities. As a result, NIU consistently produces impactful research publications with active participation of undergraduate and graduate students. To enhance the available research and training capabilities, we request funds to acquire a high-quality biomolecular imager. We specifically request Typhoon 5 imager (Cytiva) as one that is capable to support a wide range of measurements. Particularly, the system has five different color laser channels and supports four detection modes - fluorescence, phosphor imaging, chemiluminescence, and quantitative densitometry. The imager possesses a large scan area and is capable to accommodate a wider range of samples from gels to microplates to microscope slides. Importantly, Typhoon 5 offers unprecedented dynamic range of densitometry measurement that stretches 5 orders of magnitude. This capability is essential for studies involving quantitative analysis of molecular biomarkers, studies on enzyme kinetics, protein purification monitoring, etc. A single instrument that provides multiple and well-performing measurements capabilities (vide supra) is a lifeline for NIU research and training missions: for an institution of our size and type, it is not sustainable/possible to acquire/maintain a high-end instrument for every desired measurement category. Over the next decade, the opportunity to access a high-quality biomolecular imager will result in improving publication quality and will simulate new projects and ideas in research involving/relying on biomolecular analysis. As a result, NIU will become more competitive in research grant applications. From education and training prospective, NIU graduates will become better-positioned on the job market and better prepared for the advanced education. With multiple biomolecular-focused projects currently sponsored by external funding, we expect an intensive usage of the imager. This new instrument will mostly support the research and educational activities of faculties and educators housed in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biological Sciences.
