Fluorescent/UV/Vis spectrophotometry for the determination of biocompatibility, cell adhesion properties and quantitative analysis of different analytes

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We are interested in developing biomimetic biomaterials as thin films, patterned surfaces or matrices for in vitro tissue engineering. In parallel, we investigate polyplexes/nanoplexes as carriers for (targeted) delivery of proteins, genetic materials and biologically active molecules to cells or tissues. Fluorescent and UV/Vis spectrophotometry are extremely sensitive analytical tools that are essential for conducting research in the aforementioned research activities. Coupled with fluorescence analysis, UV/Vis spectrophotometry allows for investigating and quantifying cell adhesion properties, cell viability, cell proliferation and differentiation in response to the new interfaces and substrates developed in our research activities. The particular feature of the requested spectrophotometer is its ability to measure absorbance in the UV range, as well as fluorescence /luminescence at a wide range of excitation/emission ranges, thus combining rapid and highly sensitive fluorescence and absorbance readings. This allows for further characterization of encapsulated or bioconjugated moieties and/or their release kinetics. This equipment is very complementary to the available HPLC, fluorescence microscopy and gel electrophoresis equipment in our laboratory, thus further facilitating reliable qualitative and quantitative analyses regarding biocompatibility of our novel biomaterials and interfaces. The proposed spectrophotometer system is also well suited for monitoring biomolecule release kinetic profiles in real time, and determining the encapsulation efficiency of the delivery systems investigated by our group. The requested system will replace the outdated 16-year old spectrophotometers that were rendered out of service since summer 2011. Currently, the group has very limited access to various other spectrophotometers found on campus; moreover, no access is available to either a UV/Vis or fluorescence spectrophotometry system that meets the required analytical needs. This greatly impedes our research progress and creates a detrimental situation for over 30 graduate students, fellows and research staff in our laboratories whom are heavily reliant on the frequent use of fluorescence and UV/Vis spectrophotometry for their projects.