Thin metal film sputtering system

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The research program to be supported by this RTI focuses on the development of scanning probe Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) microscopy and the improvement of conventional SPR sensors for the quantification of cancer proteins. The sensing technology will be applied for the highly sensitive and spatially-resolved quantification of proteins released by cells and measurement of cellular morphology. To perform scanning probe SPR microscopy, we will develop micro-plasmonic structures on the tip apex of AFM cantilevers. Hence, we will optimise the response of SPR microbiosensors by tuning various experimental parameters: cantilever material and geometry, thin metal film (Au or Ag) and its thickness, and data analysis methods. Our developments will be applied to a model system involving the measurement of chemokines messenger proteins. Chemokines have been recently identified as major contributors to the signalling mechanism regulating cancer growth and metastasis. Specifically, the chemokine CXCL12, involved in breast cancer metastasis will be investigated. Thus, developing scanning probe SPR microscopy for chemokine sensing will result in a tool to investigate the role of chemokines at the cellular level.We request the acquisition of a thin metal film sputter coater to accomplish our research program. This instrument will be used to deposit metallic thin films of thickness varying from 1 to 60 nm. This instrument is necessary to manufacture SPR sensors for scanning probe SPR microscopy and for conventional SPR sensors. Titanium, gold or silver films will be deposited onto the apex of AFM cantilevers for scanning probe SPR microscopy or onto glass substrates for conventional SPR biosensors. Daily use of the thin metal film sputter coater is anticipated. The acquisition of a thin metal film sputter coater is necessary to the success of our research program.