Work station for microplate analysis

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My research program focuses on the host-pathogen interactions and involves Streptococcus suis (causative agent of meningitis and endocarditis in swine) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (causative of chronic periodontitis in humans). We are interested in demonstrating how the pathogens interact with host cells (endothelial cells, macrophages, etc) to colonize tissues, to resist the immune system, to amplify the inflammatory reaction and to cause tissue damage. Results from this research are aimed to provide new insights into the mechanisms by which these pathogens cause infections. This information will help for the development of effective means for controlling and/or preventing these infections. The requested work station for microplate analysis, a microplate washer and a microplate reader, will be mainly used to conduct immunoassays to quantify host-derived biomarkers (cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, etc) following stimulation of mammalian cells with bacteria and their products. The microplate reader will also be used to monitor biofilm formation by the swine pathogen S. suis. Finally, proteinase production and activity by host and bacterial cells will be quantified by the microplate reader using chromogenic substrates. The obtention of this grant will expand and improve student access to versatile and up-to-date analytical equipment.