Multi-mode Microplate Reader

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This request is for funds to acquire a multi-mode microplate reader for high throughput assays requiring absorption, fluorescence or related detection methods. Unique to a microplate reader are i) its automated operation including an integrated plate stacker for walk-away automation of short or long term assays, ii) low amounts of sample requirements, and iii) the flexibility arising from the multiple detection modes it operates with. The requested unit will replace an obsolete unit awarded in the 2008 NSERC RTI competition. The automated microplate reader allows multiple (up to 1,536) assays to be run in parallel. Experiments that would otherwise require seven months to be completed in a standard 1 sample/cuvette spectrometer (7 months x 200 hs/month = 1400 hs) can be done in no more than one hour in the microplate reader. The small sample requirements, which are in the microliter volume range and picomolar to micromolar concentration range further enable studies to be performed on rare, difficult to isolate or synthesize molecules/biomolecules. Finally, the multiple detection modes of the microplate reader give access to a number of techniques the applicant and users require in their everyday operation. The microplate reader detection modes include: UV-visible absorbance, fluorescence intensity, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence polarization, luminescence, resonance energy transfer in its many forms (FRET, TR-FRET, BRET), and spectral scanning. Temperature control permits operating the microplate reader between ambient and up to 65ºC ± 0.5ºC. The microplate reader has two built-in dispensers; kinetic experiments may be easily initiated following sample injection from the dispensers. The unit is additionally equipped with an environment CO2 and O2 control to conduct studies on cells. Robotics in the form of an integrated plate stacker further enable automation of short and long-term assays enabling us to run the unit 24h 7 days a week. The microplate reader will be physically located in the Department of Chemistry at McGill University. Dedicated use of the microplate reader is essential to advance NSERC related programs by the applicant and three co-applicants, their students and PDFs (39 HQP). The instrument is to be utilized by other researchers from McGill both in the Chemistry Department but also within the Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale (CRBS) that groups colleagues in the Natural and Life Sciences in Montreal. The instrument supports research programs in drug discovery, novel sensors and reporters, biophysical studies on protein-DNA interactions, nanomaterials, biosensors, and development of novel therapeutics.