MRI: Development of An In-situ Flow Cytometer for Enhanced Aquatic Particle Discrimination

号提案 CTS-0421310主要研究者： J. S.邦纳，得克萨斯A M大学，科珀斯克里斯蒂这笔赠款将导致改进的原位流式细胞仪仪器，使实时粒子检测（胶体，超胶体和微生物）在沿海边缘环境。沿海边缘提供对整个社会极为重要的生态和经济服务;必须继续将推进确保其可持续管理的方法作为研究和业务的优先事项。 人们普遍认识到，需要进行实时监测，以便充分探测沿海边缘生态系统中的污染物。 此外，由于这些生态系统中相互作用的物理过程的复杂性，静态监测系统无法解决适当的环境管理所需的尺度上的空间变异性。 目前的流式细胞术技术允许在固定位置随着时间的推移进行颗粒区分。 然而，它不支持更广泛的空间尺度上的实时检测。这是一个关键的限制，并且阻碍了保护海洋生态系统免受自然和人为干扰的进展。 目标是修改商用FlowCAM细胞仪及其程序，以便在空间和时间上进行连续的海洋监测。 将开发一种功能性流式细胞仪，该流式细胞仪可容纳在直径约9英寸、长度约3英尺的管中。 该仪器将安装在浅海环境的可拖曳平台上使用。这里提出的修改将允许：1）定量水生颗粒分化; 2）快速仪器部署和增强的移动性，用于浅水环境; 3）与相关的沿海监测传感器的协同作用; 4）与现有的数据库集成;和5）互联网功能与数据流到万维网。 潜在的更广泛的影响包括立即与现有的CRCD项目，重点是创建一个GIS培训的学生能够使用各种数据流准确的数据合成建模与最终的顶点课程结合到一个真实的世界局势的概念。 进一步的传播将通过RESSACA CREST和现有REU网站创建的现有渠道进行。 得克萨斯州A M大学科珀斯克里斯蒂位于得克萨斯州南部，人口统计数据主要是西班牙裔，代表性不足的群体将有机会攻读科学和工程高级学位，作为他们研究培训和经验的一部分。 该项目将改进流式细胞仪仪器，促进对沿海边缘环境的持续监测，支持旨在保护沿海边缘生态系统的研究，教育和公共政策。

Proposal No. CTS-0421310Principal Investigator: J. S. Bonner, Texas A&M University, Corpus ChristiThis grant will result in improved in situ flow cytometry instrumentation to enable real-time particle detection (colloidal, super-colloidal and microbial) in coastal margin environments. Coastal margins provide ecological and economic services of vast importance to society at large; advancing methods to ensure their sustainable management must continue to be a research and operational priority. It is widely recognized that real-time monitoring is needed for adequate detection of contaminants in coastal margin ecosystems. Furthermore, because of the complexity of interacting physical processes in these ecosystems, static monitoring systems are unable to resolve spatial variability at scales necessary for proper environmental management. Current flow cytometry technology allows for particle discrimination over time at a fixed location. It does not, however, support real-time detection over broader spatial scales. This is a critical limitation, and one that has hampered progress in protection of marine ecosystems from both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. The goal is to modify the commercial FlowCAM cytometer and its procedures to allow continuous marine monitoring over both space and time. A functional flow cytometer will be developed that can be housed in a tube approximately 9 inches in diameter and 3 feet in length. The instrument will be fitted for use on a towable platform for shallow marine environments. The modifications proposed here will allow: 1) quantitative aquatic particle differentiation; 2) rapid instrument deployment and enhanced mobility for use in shallow water environments; 3) synergy with related coastal monitoring sensors; 4) integration with existing databases; and 5) internet capabilities with data streams to the World Wide Web. The potential for broader impacts includes immediate alignment with an existing CRCD project focused on creating a GIS-trained student able to use various data streams for accurate data synthesis modeling with a final capstone course combining both concepts into a real world situation. Further dissemination will occur through existing channels created by the RESSACA CREST and an existing REU Site. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is located in south Texas where the population demographics are heavily Hispanic, underrepresented groups will be provided opportunity to pursue advanced degrees in science and engineering as part of their research training and experience. The project will result in improved flow cytometry instrumentation that advances continuous monitoring of coastal margin environments, supporting research, education, and public policy designed to protect coastal margin ecosystems.