High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility
NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences
About This Grant
Project Summary / Abstract The University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility (ILMF) requests funds to purchase a high-end laser scanning confocal microscope. The ILMF currently serves 420 users in 80 labs from across the University. Sixty-seven of those labs use laser scanning confocal microscopy, and 78% of those labs have NIH funding. Usage hours have increased as the ILMF’s microscope capacity has decreased. Two of our confocal microscopes, both Leica SP5 models, are over 14 years old. Leica has designated them end-of-life, meaning they are no longer manufacturing parts for these systems and replacements are not guaranteed. We have already experienced failure of the 488nm Argon and 592nm depletion lasers on one, and failure of the Mai Tai multiphoton excitation laser on the other, with no possibility of replacing any of these components. We expect to decommission at least one SP5 within the next year, making users hesitant to start new projects on those systems. This has stressed our two newer laser scanning confocal systems (purchased with institutional funds in 2016 and 2020), pushing them to use levels averaging 91% of AUT, defined as 3640 hours per year. The system proposed here is the Evident (formerly Olympus) Fluoview 4000 (FV4000), released in 2024. The system will increase the capacity and functionality of laser scanning confocal microscopes in the ILMF, allowing users to collect high-quality data more readily. Several features of the FV4000 will be new to the ILMF, and satisfy a number of outstanding investigator needs. Features include: state-of-the-art, patented, fast signal processing silicon photomultiplier (SiPM, Evident SilVIRTM) detectors, to significantly improve signal-to-noise levels, enhancing detection of Golgi cisternae and other organelle sub-structures; four high magnification, long working distance silicone immersion objectives for detailed, multi-color, 3-dimentional imaging of organoids, thick tissues and tumor samples; and three near-infrared wavelength lasers for excitation of fluorophores beyond the current imaging spectrum, allowing for investigation of a larger number of molecules of interest in a single sample. The FV4000 will also feature full environmental control, allowing users to take advantage of faster imaging speeds to image live samples. This will make it possible to image longer sessions at higher frame rates with less photodamage, resulting in more robust and reliable data from live samples than currently possible. Finally, the FV4000 base is modular in design, allowing for field upgrades with Evident or third-party resources (e.g. a single molecule localization module) as users’ experimental needs grow. In summary, adding an Evident FV4000 laser scanning confocal microscope to the ILMF will make it possible for users to gather information from samples that are currently challenging but valuable research models.
Grant Summary
High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility is a NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences grant providing up to $726K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2027-05-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $726K
2027-05-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility from NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences before the deadline.
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High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility?
High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility is offered by NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility provide?
High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility provides up to $726K per award from NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility deadline?
Applications for High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility are due 2027-05-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility?
To apply for High End Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope for the University of Chicago Integrated Light Microscopy Facility, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIGMS - National Institute of General Medical Sciences.