Acquiring a mass photometer for Clemson University

About This Grant

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Clemson University’s rapid growth in externally funded research has propelled it to R1 status, reflecting its expanding impact in advanced scientific inquiry. Five of Clemson’s nine academic colleges are STEM-fo- cused, encompassing over 30 academic units. In the last decade, Clemson’s NIH-funded portfolio has grown from $5.5 million in 2014 to $26 million in 2024, currently spanning 85 awards across 57 investigators. This growth is fueled by the university’s strategic investments in research infrastructure, equipment, and facilities. These actions foster a resource-rich environment capable of attracting and retaining top research talent. Three major NIH Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) underscore Clemson’s priorities: the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC), the South Carolina COBRE for Translational Research Improving Muscu- loskeletal Health (SC-TRIMH), and the Clemson University Center for Human Genetics. To further strengthen Clemson’s research capabilities, we seek to acquire a Refeyn mass photometer, a transformative technology that enables single-particle mass measurements. Unlike bulk methods such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), mass photometry quantifies molecular mass, providing an unparalleled view of heterogeneity, oligomerization states, and binding interactions at the single-molecule level. This technology is valuable across disciplines and research foci on campus, from probing protein-ligand and protein-protein inter- actions that occur in eukaryotic pathogens (EPIC) to evaluating biomolecular assembly and integrity in mus- culoskeletal research (SC-TRIMH). Investigators in human genetics can rapidly assess protein-DNA/RNA interactions and more complex heterogenous multi protein-protein-DNA/RNA complexes. The Refeyn mass photometer offers remarkable advantages: (1) Minimal sample requirement—only a few microliters of material are needed; (2) Low per-sample cost, approximately $2, making it accessible to both established laboratories and student trainees; (3) Ease of operation, a simple pipetting step onto a glass slide significantly reduces technical barriers; and (4) Broad applicability, it excels in characterizing oligomeric states, monitoring antibody binding, and confirming molecular compositions in diverse sample types. By installing this mass photometer at Clemson, we will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enrich hands- on learning opportunities, and expand the capabilities of ongoing NIH-funded projects. Moreover, this cutting- edge instrument will position Clemson researchers at the forefront of next-generation single-particle analytics, supporting a range of studies—from early discovery to late-stage translational research. Although it also inte- grates seamlessly into cryo-EM workflows, the mass photometer’s utility extends well beyond structural biology. Ultimately, this S10 instrumentation request will allow Clemson to elevate its research enterprise, amplify productivity, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the university as a leader in biomedical and research.