Acquisition of a confocal microscope

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded the University of Louisiana at Monroe $239,894 on September 1, 2026, under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to acquire a Zeiss LSM 910 laser scanning confocal microscope.

The microscope will restore and enhance high-resolution imaging capabilities for biomedical research and education in the College of Pharmacy. The instrument offers advanced laser scanning, spectral detection, and high-sensitivity imaging for precise visualization of cellular and subcellular structures. It will support research in pharmaceutics, oncology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry, and will be housed in the School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences Core Facility for use by ULM faculty and students and regional collaborators. Major users include Dr. Georgios Matthaiolampakis (nanomedicine and drug delivery), Dr. Yong-Yu Liu (cancer biology and RNA methylation), Dr. Khalid El-Sayed (natural product-based prostate cancer therapies), and Dr. Karen Briski (neuroendocrine regulation). The acquisition will enhance research quality, support competitive grant applications, and provide hands-on training in confocal microscopy for graduate and undergraduate students.

The award period runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, with place of performance in Monroe, Louisiana.

Abstract

The university of louisiana at monroe (ULM) college of pharmacy requests funding to acquire a zeiss LSM 910 laser scanning confocal. The new system will restore and enhance high-resolution imaging capabilities essential for biomedical research and education. The zeiss LSM 910 offers advanced laser scanning, spectral detection, and high-sensitivity imaging, enabling precise visualization of cellular and subcellular structures. IT will support research in pharmaceutics, oncology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry. The instrument will be housed in the school of basic pharmaceutical and toxicological sciences (bpts) core facility and made available to faculty and students across ULM and regional collaborators. Major users include DR. Georgios matthaiolampakis (nanomedicine and drug delivery), DR. Yong-YU LIU (cancer biology and RNA methylation), DR. Khalid EL-sayed (natural product-based prostate cancer therapies), and DR. Karen briski (neuroendocrine regulation). This acquisition will enhance research quality, support competitive grant applications, and provide hands-on training in confocal microscopy for graduate and undergraduate students, strengthening ULM's research infrastructure and educational mission.