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Project Code [2007-INF-13-S5]
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Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Dublin (UCD)
Lead Applicant
Kenneth Dawson
Project Abstract
Costs are requested for a key piece of infrastructure that will support the nanotoxicological research activity in UCD. This infrastructure will enable and optimise application of the recently-emergent technology of high content analysis (HCA) to the study of nanoparticle-cell interactions. HCA has become the most potent tool for quantitative, multiparametric and kinetic study of the intracellular morphology, biochemistry and physiology of intact, single, live cells. Such technology is expected to be ideal for visualising and studying intracellular effects of nanoparticles at the cellular and organellar level and, for certain biophysical and biochemical effects, at the molecular level. Costs of 250K Euros are required for an automated and rapid-throughput HCA instrument (GE or Cellomics) that will be used for implementation of HCA assays in the screening and characterisation of a wide range of nanoparticle interactions. Additional costs of approximately 250K Euros are required for a live-cell, confocal, microscopy and spectroscopy instrument that will be used for HCA assay refinement and optimisation and also for novel assay development for application to nanoparticle studies (one option is the Amnis Imaging Flow Cytometer). The need for novel assay development is anticipated to characterise unique molecular effects of nanoparticles, such as intracellular fibrillation. This HCA assay development instrument, although not practical for assay implementation because of its low-throughput and low content, will have higher spatial, temporal and signal intensity resolution as well as capability for detection of a wider range of spectroscopic signals. These features will allow us to customise and optimise current HCA parameters and develop novel unique assays to probe aspects of nanobiology (eg. for detection of fibrillation in situ) that are not standard on HCA instruments. In conjunction with the present proposal, an R&D proposal will be submitted to the EPA under key measure 3.1 (risks to human health) in October to ensure maximum use of the platform.There are currently HCA instruments at both UCD and Trinity, however use of these platforms has rapidly reached saturation point because of the potency, throughput, and wide-spread applicability of current HCA assays throughout the entire field of cell biology. Accordingly, an HCA system that is largely dedicated to nanoparticle studies is required. Furthermore, because nanoparticle studies are new to HCA, assay development time is anticipated to require extensive access to the HCA system.
Grant Approved
€250,000.00
Research Hub
Healthy Environment
Research Theme
Environment and Human Health
Initial Projected Completion Date
26/12/2008