SkyScan 1276 uCT for multi-user biomedical studies

Project Summary/Abstract. The overall goal of this project is to replace the current micro computed tomography (micro-CT) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) which is near to end of its life with a more advanced robust micro-CT, to provide accurate and efficient analysis of mineralized tissue as well as vascular structure to the investigators,

accelerating and enhancing the research efforts at NSU and nearby institutions. Micro-CT has become an indispensably robust equipment for 3-dimensional imaging of bones, teeth and vasculature. The currently used micro-CT, production of which was discontinued by the manufacturer, may permanently stop working at any

time, placing the ongoing projects in a dire situation, most of which are funded by the NIH. Most of major and minor users of micro-CT who have laboratories in the Center for Collaborative Research (CCR) belong to one of four distinctive colleges of osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, allopathic medicine, in the

Health Professional Division, or in Guy Harvey Oceanography Center at NSU. In this resubmission, we are joined with additional two major users from the neighboring Florida Atlantic University and University of Miami (Total of 7 major users and 7 minor users). Those researchers propose their need for the new micro-CT

system in the field of bone regeneration, cancer biology, oral/craniofacial skeletal biology, HIV, antibiotic resistance, aging associated bone lytic diseases, and oceanographic research. The new micro-CT system will facilitate investigators at NSU to thrive in their research programs, as well as catalyze more internal and

external collaborations, while serving as an attractive feature for recruiting more research faculty. It will be maintained as a core facility in CCR, and users will receive assistance from the designated operator and CCR staff for instrument usage and data analysis. The well-versed experts in using micro-CT at NSU will ensure that

the new system will be fully utilized and well maintained. The Vice President of Research at NSU and Dean of College of Dental Medicine (where four of the seven major users are affiliated with) fully support the proposal and has agreed to provide full institutional support for the maintenance service, in addition to the retention of

currently designated operator's time, for at least 5-years. The oversight committee composed of in- and out-of- house members will ensure the sufficiently efficient operation and use of the new micro-CT. The price of the instrument $412,365.11, includes the micro-CT instrument with 3D analysis software, computers for

reconstruction and data analysis, and initial installation and training. In summary, based on 1) the well-justified need of micro-CT for research at NSU, 2) extensive expertise with micro-CT technology, 3) the established solid administrative structure and oversight committee for the core management, and 4) full institutional

commitment to maintain the micro-CT, this award will be a worthwhile investment that serves the missions of the NIH and NSU.