Acquisition of a phenom XL G2 desktop SEM with EDS capabilities to advance multidisciplinary research and undergraduate training in puerto rico

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey $246,733 on July 3, 2026, under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to acquire a Phenom XL G2 desktop scanning electron microscope with integrated energy dispersive spectroscopy capabilities.

The SEM-EDS system will enable high-resolution imaging and elemental analysis of biological and synthetic materials, supporting interdisciplinary research in microbiology, biomedical engineering, materials science, and environmental health. The instrument will directly support ongoing NIH- and PRINBRE-funded research on antimicrobial peptide-polymer coatings for urinary catheters, microbial biofilm analysis, and surface characterization of biomedical devices. Additional applications include particle analysis, environmental microbiology, and design of advanced materials for drug delivery.

The equipment will integrate into upper-level undergraduate courses in microbiology, experimental physics, and organic chemistry, as well as capstone research experiences and faculty-led training programs. Structured certification training will cover SEM/EDS principles, sample preparation, and data analysis. The instrument will function as a shared core resource accessible to investigators across UPR-Cayey and external academic collaborators, enhancing regional research infrastructure and enabling multi-investigator projects.

The award period extends from July 3, 2026, through July 2, 2027, with place of performance in Puerto Rico.

Abstract

This application requests funding to acquire a phenom XL G2 desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) with integrated energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for the university of puerto rico at CAYEY (UPR-CAYEY). The SEM-EDS system will enable high-resolution imaging and elemental analysis of biological and synthetic materials, supporting interdisciplinary research in microbiology, biomedical engineering, materials science and environmental health. The instrument will directly support ongoing NIH- and prinbre-funded research focused on antimicrobial peptide-polymer coatings for urinary catheters, microbial biofilm analysis and the surface characterization of biomedical devices. Additional applications include particle analysis, environmental microbiology and the design of advanced materials for drug delivery. The SEM-EDS will be integrated into upper-level undergraduate courses such as microbiology, experimental physics and organic chemistry, as well as capstone research experiences and faculty-led training programs that provide hands-on microscopy training. Structured certification training will include SEM/EDS principles, sample preparation and data analysis. The instrument will function as a shared core resource accessible to investigators across UPR-CAYEY and external collaborators from academic institutions, thereby enhancing regional research infrastructure and enabling multi-investigator projects. This acquisition will restore critical microscopy capabilities and significantly strengthen institutional research capacity. By expanding access to advanced analytical instrumentation, this project will support the generation of high-quality data and accelerate progress in biomedical and materials research aligned with NIH priorities.