University of Alberta - Request for Proposal - Luminescence Microscope

The University of Alberta is inviting the submission of Proposals to supply a Luminescence Microscope for the Department of Cell Biology. The equipment should be capable of quantifying changes in luminescence (luciferase) in as few as three neurons in ex planted live Drosophila melanogaster brains. The source of luminescence will be luciferase that is under the regulation of a weak promoter requiring high sensitivity for luminescence detection. The equipment should also be capable of measuring the luminescence from the ex-planted Drosophila brains over multiple days and also have the capacity of measuring fluorescence. The equipment should also have the ability to permit fluid flow across the sample without compromising the luminescence sensitivity of the machine. The department will use the changes in flow to add neurotransmitters to monitor luminescence changes in target neuron of the explanted Drosophila brain. Other members of the department will also use this equipment to monitor changes in luminescence to serve as a reporter for transcription activity. The successful proponent will be expected to supply, install, maintain and provide training for the proposed equipment.