The main goals of the Development of Novel Clinical and Translational Methodologies Key Function are to translate basic findings into clinical research and practice, and strategically enhance the development of translational technologies in basic science through the following means:
Currently our focus remains honed on the field of nanotechnology, but our plan is to use this focus as a model for other areas of study as well. Vicki H. Grassian, Associate Director, Translation from Bench to Clinical Research, and Clark Stanford, Key Function Director, Development of Novel Clinical and Translational Methodologies, work with other key function personnel to engage and enhance the research infrastructure. Their efforts include increasing access to equipment and adding instruments to existing facilities across the entire UI campus.
Facilitating our efforts, the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at UI (NNI@UI) provides a venue where researchers from various disciplines can collaborate and share ideas on nanoscience and nanotechnology. We employ new and emerging technologies to push the frontiers of scientific discovery. In January, 2008, the Central Microscopy Research Facility (CMRF) at UI was awarded a $1 million grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust Foundation. NNI@UI core faculty members contributed to the project, which allowed the University of Iowa to purchase a field emission transmission electron microscope (FETEM). The FETEM will enable researchers to study the properties of materials, such as semiconductors and metals, at the atomic level. This microscope is being built on the UI campus and is expected to be completed in 2009. It will be part of a central core service managed by highly trained personnel who will educate researchers in its use and benefits.
Another important characteristic of this key function is our emphasis on supporting the trail-blazing efforts of the scientists and engineers associated with the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science as they develop new technologies in the course of their work. We work with them to stimulate these advances and encourage inventors to patent and commercialize them when applicable. We also encourage researchers to patent their breakthrough discoveries so these innovative ideas can reach patients more quickly through partnerships with the private sector.
The following text has been obtained directly from PDFs located on the NNIU@UI website, to view these files please click on the equipment names.
Located: Room 274 IATL
Description: The BET apparatus is a fully automated, high-speed surface area analyzer with four stations that allow for four simultaneous measurements. Surface area ≥0.01 m2/g can be measured. Adsorption and desorption isotherms, total pore volume (detectable less than 0.0001 cc/g), average pore radius (0.35-200 nm), density, pore size distribution, and external surface area can all be obtained using the Quantachrome Noval 4200e. This instrument is compatible with different gases and isotherms for a range of gases can be measured.
User Fees: $5 per run
Contact: Please contact Larissa Stebounova (lariss-stebounova@uiowa.edu) for scheduling and training information.
Location: Room 177 Chemistry Building
Description: Zetasizer Nano-ZS can be used for a measurement of hydrodynamic size, zeta potential and olecular weight of particles in solution. It has a size range for particles of 0.6 nm to 6 microns, for zeta potential of 5 nm to 10 microns and for molecular weight of 1-20,000 kDa. The concentration range for the Zetasizer Nano-ZS is 0.1 ppm to 40 weight %. This instrument cna be used for determining particle size in solution for nanoparticles, colloids and bio-molecules. The zeta potential is measured as an indication of the overall charge and dispersion stability of hte particles in solution. The zeta potential provides information about how a particle will interact electrostatically.
User Fees: $2.50 per hours
Contact: Please contact Larissa Stebounova for scheduling and training information.
Location: Room 177 Chemistry Building
Description: ICP-OES is an analytical method used to determined elemental composition in the sub ppm range. In the ICP-OES instrument, an ICP source dissociates the sample into its constituent atoms or ions and excites them so that they emit light of a characteristic wavelength. Many elements can be screened per single sample run of les than one minute. Samples can be analyzed in a variety of aqueous or organic matrices. The detection limit of the instrument is ≤1ppm. Solid samples must be dissolved or digested to run on ICP. 4-5 mL of the sample is required for a good run, smaller samples can be diluted to this volume if necessary. A minimum of three standard solutions is needed for calibration for all elements of interest. The standards should have a concentration near the expected concentration for the sample. Commercial standards are available for many elements.
User Fees:
$20 for the first two samples per element
$5 for each additional sample
$10 for each additional element
Contact Info: Please contact Larissa Stebounova for scheduling and training information.
A wide range of additional equipment is available for use. Visit the following sites for more information:
Drug Delivery, Disease Detection, Imaging, Bioanalytical Assay
Key Function Director
Associate Director Translation from Bench to Clinical Research
Vicki H. GrassianCurriculum Developer
Sarah LarsenOutreach Coordinator
Russell Larsen