Facilities
CUNY CABB RESEARCH RESOURCES Center for Fluorescence Spectroscopy Brooklyn College of the City University of New York
The CUNY Center for Applied Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CABB) in conjunction with the Department of Chemistry at Brooklyn College has established a state-of-the-art center for fluorescence spectroscopy (CFS). Under the direction of Professor Lesley Davenport the center provides a scientific resource for academic, industrial, and governmental research personnel. The core facility presently houses both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectrometers. Support from the Upjohn Corporation has provided a neodymium-YAG synchronously pumped dye laser system, producing high repetition (MHz) picosecond ultraviolet pulses (typically 20ps FWHM), and is the excitation source for a nanosecond single photon counting fluorometer. Additionally, the New York state ASCI-HEAT program has provided funding for acquisition of a complimentary multi-frequency phase and modulation fluorescence spectrometer. Time-resolved fluorescence studies, as performed by these spectrometers, enable both structural and dynamic (covering the picosecond to submicrosecond) investigations of complex biomolecular systems, both solid or in solution. Many specialized accessories are available for use with these instruments, in response to requirements of the scientific investigators, eg. a high pressure spectroscopy cell capable of up to 3kbar applied hydrostatic pressures for protein-folding studies, solid-sample holders for semi-conductor and oriented sample studies, with plans for a fiber-optic link to a fluorescence microscope, and a stopped flow accessory. Supported by powerful software packages for both data acquisition and subsequent global data analyses of large three dimensional data arrays, with appropriate data fitting statistical criteria, resolved fluorescence parameters can easily be ported using ASCII format to commercially available data display software packages. Steady-state fluorescence capabilities presently include both ultrasensitive (picomole detection) and routine fluorescence-assay instruments. The latter has been modified for fully automated collection of polarized fluorescence data, subsequent analysis, and temperature controlling, using computer driven software developed in this facility. In addition, the CFS has been actively involved in the development of new extrinsic fluorescence probes, synthesized with specific spectroscopic characteristics, desirable for use with complex biological systems such as membrane mimetics and proteins. Other roles of the CFS include software development for fast acquisition, and analyses of fluorescence data, and instrumentation development, supported by an excellent in-house machine shop facility. Current CFS collaborations include the Physics Institute of the Nicolas Copernicus University, Poland (studying lipid dynamics), City College of CUNY (nanosecond protein conformational studies) and the NIH (protein folding using applied hydrostatic pressure investigations). Research studies of the CFS have been supported by grants from the AHA, NSF and CUNY. Present investigations include dynamic and conformational studies of reconstituted membrane proteins in liposomes. Additionally, an important role of the CFS is the training of graduate students for industrial or academic careers. Recent graduates are presently located with Spex Industries, American Home Products, Inc., and Emisphere Technologies.