Proposal

Narrative

The funds requested in this proposal are aimed towards purchasing a Multi-Parametric Surface Plasmon Resonance (MP-SPR) technology, currently not available at FAU, and implementing it into the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum as part of a transformational new way of teaching upper level undergraduate courses at the interface of chemistry and biology and our continuing efforts to modernize and enhance the bioanalytical chemistry training of our students. Application of this technology span from environmental to life sciences. Results can ultimately lead to higher performance materials, cleaner air/water quality, more effective drugs, and much more. Taking into consideration FAU’s mission to excellence in teaching and research in areas of human health, neuroscience and environmental sciences (I-Health, I-BRAIN and HBOI), and our departmental strengths in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, we believe that MP-SPR technology aligns well with the department and university-wide goals. We plan to integrate MP-SPR technology into our core analytical and biochemistry labs (Quantitative Analysis, Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Instrumentation, and Inorganic Chemistry labs), and also into our undergraduate research program through the Directed Independent Study/Research, Research Intensive and Honors program courses. In addition, to enhancing training of chemistry students, this technology will provide support for research to students in other disciplines: geology, medicine, neuroscience, physics, and biology with the goal to broaden the future community of researchers at the chemistry-biology interface. Furthermore, the SPR technology will empower students by enhancing their employability skills in South Florida research institutes, as well as in academic and industrial settings nationally and internationally. We estimate the number of science students per year that will greatly benefit from teaching using this cutting-edge analytical chemistry technology is ~600+.

Facilities

Facilities renovations or upgrades will not be needed. The instrument will be located in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, SE43, Room 125.

Hardware Requirements

Technical Specifications: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is an established method for biomolecular interaction analysis. It is popular due to its sensitivity and its real-time label-free principle.The instruments can measure different biochemical interactions (for example protein-protein, protein-antibody, drug-target, etc). Furthemore, biomembrane interaction, as well as underlying structural changes within the membrane environment, can be measured. It is possible to measure molecule or nanoparticle interactions with hydrogels or polymers. • The main MP-SPR Navi 210A VASA scientific instrument with 2 fluidic channels and automated handling of 6 samples • Lasers: 2 wavelength set SPR-L2 • Software: MP-SPR Navi Control (unlimited), MP-SPR Navi Data Viewer software (unlimited), MP-SPR Navi LayerSolver (3 PCs) • Flow-cell: SPR305-MS (supplied as default for 210A, others by request) • Installation kit including electronic version of Software and Device Manuals, 5 pcs of Au coated sensor slides, 5 pcs of blank glass slides, 2 pieces of sensor slide holders, tweezers, cables etc. The main MP-SPR Navi instrument is equipped with SPR-L2 wavelength set: 4 lasers of 2 different wavelengths. Standard configuration: • Channel 1: 670nm and 785nm • Channel 2: 670nm and 785nm Flow-cell for work with live cells + pressure regulator (1pc) Recommended for cell applications. PDMS material, inlet diameter 0.380, 2 flow channels, flow-cell height 0.7mm, volume <10 µL. Degasser bypassing required (instructions can be requested from support@bionavis.com) Quote details: Quoted on 10/18/2022, quote prepared by BioNavis. Inc., 1595 Peachtree Pkwy Ste 204-120, Cumming, GA 30041, USA 10% discount is included. Hardware subtotal = $ 100,785.60 (includes software)

Software Requirements

The price of software is included in the price of hardware.

Personnel Costs

No permanent personnel are required but a graduate teaching assistant will assist with incorporating technology into the upper level division courses. Set-up and training: 2 full days, including travel. Installation and on-site training by a BioNavis specialist or a certified technician. Includes installation, aligning and calibration of the instrument and at least one full day of training at the customer premises. All travel expenses are included in the price. Includes also free two-year software update: Latest versions of the User Interface and embedded softwares will be delivered free of charge after 24 months from the start-up. Hardware subtotal (training) = $ 5,850.00

Other Costs

Dell computer and monitor OptiPlex 7000 Small Form Factor and Dell 24 Monitor - C2423H Quote details: Quoted on 10/20/2022 Hardware subtotal = $ 1,737.67 Start-up and training in Saint Paul, 2 full days, including travel Installation and on-site training by a BioNavis specialist or a certified technician. Includes installation, aligning and calibration of the instrument and at least one full day of training at the customer premises. All travel expenses within US are included in the price. Includes also free two year software update: Latest versions of the User Interface and embedded softwares will be delivered free of charge after 24 months from the start-up. Hardware subtotal = $ 5,850.00 Packing in plywood package with custom padding for MP-SPR Navi 210A VASA instrument and accessories Hardware subtotal = $ 300.00 Shipping fees from Finland to US Hardware subtotal = $ 795.00 Hardware total: $ 8,682.67

Timeline

We would like the MP-SPR instrument to be ready and available for use at the start of Fall semester of 2023. In the event of this proposal being funded the installation of MP-SPR hardware will be completed by BioNavis. Inc., representative immediately after its delivery. BioNavis. Inc., representative will also provide training on the instrument use and experimental design after completion of installation. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry personel will coordinate the installation process. No assistance from Information Technology (IT) staff in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (CESCoS) will be required. The incorporation of this technology into teaching and research training can be achieved by: 1) Innovative teaching approaches such as development of Research and Inquiry (RI) designated courses. These RI courses are planned for upper-division, thus incorporation of SPR technology will fit the teaching goals of Biochemistry 1 and 2 (BCH 3033 and BCH 3034), Advanced Biochemistry (BCH 4035), Bioanalytical Instrumentation (CHM 4139), and Inorganic Chemistry (CHM 3609) courses. 2) Incorporation of MP-SPR technology within the upper-level lab courses, such as Biochemistry Lab (BCH 3103L), Bioanalytical Instrumentation Lab (CHM 4139L), and Inorganic Chemistry Lab (CHM 3609L). 3) Involvement of student participant in Chemistry DIS/DIR (CHM 4905/4915) and Honors program in practical training in applying MP-SPR to their systems of interest. 4) Providing service and training to students carrying out undergraduate research in other disciplines: geology, medicine, neuroscience, physics, and biology with the goal to broaden the future community of researchers at the chemistry-biology interface. Offering access to MP-SPR experiments in these courses will enrich the educational experience of our undergraduate students, and the breadth of experiments offered will reflect the diversity of expertise of Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry’s faculties.

Sustainability

The requested MP-SPR systems require minimal additional maintenance and Dr. Floyd Russell (Chemistry and Biochemistry department Instrumentation Lab Specialist) will be in charge of maintaining proper operation of this instruments. Additional analytical technologies previously purchased from other funds will be utilized as complementary training methods for our students. These include Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) instrument, Horiba XPLora Raman microscope, Perkin-Elmer STA-6000 Thermo Analyzer and Bruker and Varian 400MHz and 500 MHz NMR instruments. There will be no extra cost associated with implementation of this equipment.

Resource Matching

Main usage of MP-SPR technologies will be by students enrolled in the upper-level division lab courses, DIS/DIR program and undergraduate students carrying out undergraduate research in disciplines such as geology, medicine, physics, and biology. The instrument will be located in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, SE43, Room 125, and will be supervised by Dr. Floyd Russell.

Implementing Organization

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University