MRI: Acquisition of a Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscope System for Research, Undergraduate Research and Training, and Curricular Reform

该奖项由主要研究仪器(MRI)和化学研究仪器(CRIF)项目支持。布拉德利大学的卢克·哈弗哈尔斯教授和他的同事爱德华·雷姆森已经获得了一台荧光终身成像显微镜。荧光寿命成像显微镜是一种强大的技术，它可以提供关于化学物质(荧光团)的位置和环境的信息，这种化学物质在吸收能量后发出光。从初始样品中获得的信息为后续尝试的开发提供了反馈，所有这些尝试的目标都是生产主要由生物质制成的坚韧、功能材料，同时使用最少量的可回收、低挥发性有机化合物。这种合成材料是低成本、可持续的复合材料，利用了大自然创造的复杂结构。此次仪器收购可能改进的技术包括：低碳建材以及用于汽车、航空航天和医疗应用的复合材料。这种新材料还可以用于水修复、太阳能和电化学能量转换和存储以及传感器。这项研究是与西伊利诺伊大学诺克斯学院和美国农业部国家农业利用研究中心(USDA NCAUR)的科学家合作进行的。这笔收购被用来培训下一代科学家。特别是，高级显微镜技术的经验使硕士和本科生受益，因为他们正在为高级学位课程和行业做准备。新获得的荧光寿命成像显微镜(FLIM)加强了布拉德利大学的研究和教育。该仪器有助于确定复合材料可持续加工和制造的特征，探索天然纤维焊接以创造功能性生物复合材料，以及分析非法物质。该仪器用于高通量筛选表面的多肽、亲和体和抗体；定位细胞交叉点；以及研究微孔和介孔金属氧化物多孔膜中的传输。

This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation (CRIF) programs. Professor Luke Haverhals from Bradley University and colleague Edward Remsen have acquired a fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a powerful technique that gives information about the location and the environment of a chemical (a fluorophore) that emits light after absorbing energy. The information obtained from initial samples provides feedback for the development of subsequent attempts, all with the goal of generating tough, functional materials made primarily from biomass while using minimal amounts of recyclable, low volatility organic compounds. The synthesized materials are low cost, sustainable composites that leverage the complex structures created by Nature. Technologies that may be improved by this instrument acquisition include: low carbon building materials as well as composites for automotive, aerospace, and medical applications. The new materials may also be used in water remediation, solar and electrochemical energy conversion and storage, and sensors. The research is conducted in collaboration with scientists at Knox College, Western Illinois University, and the US Department of Agriculture National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (USDA NCAUR). The acquisition is used to train the next generation of scientists. In particular, experience in advanced microscopy techniques benefits master's level and undergraduate students as they prepare for advanced degree programs and industry. The newly acquired Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscope (FLIM) enhances research and education at Bradley University. The instrument facilitates the characterization of sustainable processing and manufacturing of composites, the exploration of natural fiber welding to create functional biocomposites, and the analyses of illicit substances. The instrumentation is used for high throughput screening of peptides, affibodies, and antibodies on surfaces; localizing cellular intersection; and studying transport within micro and mesoporous metal oxide porous films.