Microscope to Enhance Food Safety Research

A vendor has been selected based on previous quotes and visits. The model selected - an Olympus BX61 microscope is equipped with motorized stage, illuminator and nosepiece. The system also consists of a color digital camera and image analysis hardware and software capable of capturing and analyzing images in real-time. The system will be installed and individuals trained including a technician who will be available to provide technical support. Initial plans for use of the microscope include evaluation of rapid methods for the detection of foodborne pathogens in foodstuffs using immunofluorescence. This technology has been used by the PI in previous research and resulted in the development of a rapid method for the detection of specific pathogens. Other studies where the system will be of significant benefit include evaluation of outer membrane protein production by Yersinia spp during growth and the detection of changes in production and surface protein expression using immunofluorescence microscopy. Other investigators who will benefit from access to a fluorescent microscope system will use the microscope to evaluate the location and detection of Iss (a protein associated with avian E. coli virulence) on the surface of cells. Access to the system will allow rapid detection of disease causing strains. In another study, the investigator plans to use the microscope to evaluate anatomical locations of antigens in parasitic nematodes and correlate production of the antigens with panels of developed monoclonal antibodies. Another investigator plans to use access to the system for analysis of arterivirus replication and the study of its function, processing and localization using dual or triple labelled immunofluorescent antibodies. A real time image capture system will allow the investigator to rapidly detect and discriminate labels without the concern for quenching. Overall, this system will allow the PI and others within the department to considerably expand their research capabilities, greatly improve our research credibilities and make us more competitive when seeking extramural funding.
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A need exists within the PD's current area for access to a fluoresecence microscope for application in current and future food safety research. This project will address this need through the purchase of a 'state of the art' fluorescence microscope with image analysis system which will allow the PD to continue her research in rapid methods for the detection of pathogens of human concern in foodstuffs. In addition the system will benefit other researchers within the department currently working on projects where a fluorescence system will greatly expand their research capabilities.
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PROGRESS: 2001/10 TO 2002/09 <br>
The need exists within the PD's own laboratory and that of the department in general for a 'state of the art' fluorescence microscope. The PD has selected a single vendor to purchase an Olympus BX61 Motorized Microscope system with accompanying image capture and analysis system. Delivery date for installation of the microscope, its accompanying hardware and software is anticipated as early January 2003. The system will be installed, software set up and the technology tested by the vendor and training provided for all users who will benefit from access to the system. Currently, the PD anticipates using the system to continue research in the study of and development of rapid methods for the isolation and detection of foodborne pathogens in foodstuffs - in particular meat. The PD has also arranged further research collaborations with other department faculty to use the sytem for evaluation of antibody production and the location of specific virulence characteristics associated with disease in different animal species. It is anticipated that access and use of system will be made available to all faculty and staff with an interest in microscopy, in the hope that it will encourage further research collaborations, particularly in food safety.
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IMPACT: 200 1/10 TO 2002/09 <br>
The installation and set up of this state of the art microscope system will allow the PD to continue work in the development of rapid methods for the detection of foodborne pathogens in foodstuffs. It is also anticipated that the microscope and its associated system will help foster further research collaborations within the department and with other colleagues across campus in the areas of food safety and animal health.