EMU: Acquisition of a microscope to support research in translational medicine

• Grant number: 23/17227-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Erich Vinicius de Paula
• Grantee: Erich Vinicius de Paula
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Gilberto de Nucci ; Joyce Maria Annichino-Bizzacchi ; Renato Simões Gaspar

Abstract

Research in translational medicine is based on using different systems (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, for instance) to answer medical questions and therefore to translate findings between these different systems. To achieve this, there is a need for cutting-edge equipment at the intersection between the bench and hospitals. To propel the quality of the translational medicine research developed by the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM) at Unicamp, we aim to acquire a robust and modern confocal microscope, the STELLARIS 5 (Leica Microsystems), which has resonant and galvano detectors to acquire images with high speed and resolution, respectively. It should be noted that there is no confocal microscope at FCM-Unicamp, so, if funded, this would be the only equipment at FCM, and would be the first equipment of this model within Unicamp. The requested Multi-User Equipment will be installed in the Multi-User Support Laboratory (LAMP), in front of the Department of Translational Medicine and close to the FCM-Unicamp hospital complex to enable bench-to-clinic exchange. The equipment proposed here is equipped to assess living cells, surface tissues of living animals and fixed samples. We also intend to develop expansion microscopy techniques, in order to drastically increase the resolution of the device and implement a revolutionary technique within our institution and in the national context. This proposal also counts on relevant institutional support in the form of trained technical staff, dedicated space, and LAMP, which is already in operation. Therefore, the acquisition of the STELLARIS 5 proposed here will synergize with different departments at FCM-Unicamp and will consist of an exponential leap in the quality of research in translational medicine within our institution. (AU)