Mass Photometry for the masses: A Refeyn TwoMP Mass Photometer for the Sheffield City Region
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: School of Biosciences
Abstract
This proposal will fund a Refeyn TwoMP Mass Photometer, a transformative technology currently unavailable in Sheffield, hosted in the School of Biosciences (SoB) at the University of Sheffield (UoS) and accessible to researchers across the region.
Mass photometry is a state of the art, single molecule approach for determining the size of molecular assemblies based on light scattering. All biological processes are underpinned by how different biomolecules (e.g proteins, lipids, nucleic acids or carbohydrates) interact with each other. Example applications in Sheffield cover the full BBSRC remit, ranging from the relatively simple to incredibly complex, such as a single protein binding a DNA target sequence or assembly of photoreaction centres for photosynthesis. The common feature of these fundamental biological processes is a change in the size, or mass, of the biomolecules involved. For such a simple concept, observing a change in the mass of a biomolecular assembly can be very technically demanding and time-consuming in the lab.
Mass photometry is universally applicable, as all molecules scatter light, irrespective of their composition. This versatility means the instrument will benefit a vast array of research in Sheffield. To maximise the impact of the Mass Photometer, we will host the equipment in an existing core facility at UoS made available to researchers across faculties and external partners in the Sheffield region.
The proposal has a number of clearly defined objectives:
Provide a transformative technology, currently unavailable locally to Sheffield-based researchers, to prime new avenues for world leading research and revolutionise our research outputs.
Align the technology infrastructure at UoS with evolving research priorities at a national and international level.
Reinforce existing strengths in single molecule bioscience and technology development.
Maximise the efficiency and throughput of existing cryoEM, structural biology and 'omics facilities by providing a rapid and simple method to assess sample heterogeneity and quality, which will integrate seamlessly into current workflows.
Provide training in the latest single molecule biophysical technologies for graduate students on UKRI funded DTP programs, PGT courses and technical staff.
Support closer collaboration between bioscience researchers in the Sheffield region, and aligning technologies for basic research on UoS main campus with translational manufacturing capabilities at the Gene Therapy, Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC).
The proposal will bring facilities at Sheffield up to date with the latest technological developments, ensuring that our research infrastructure is aligned with evolving research practices. It will promote equality of opportunity between different regions of the UK, by providing researchers in Sheffield access to technologies available in other leading UK institutions. As the instrument will be housed in an established facility in an accessible location, we will ensure strong management, high environmental sustainability and reach the widest possible range of users.
We believe the proposal offers incredible value for money, an impact reflected in the breadth of research and number of applicants highlighted in this proposal, which will significantly boost the world leading research in the SoB (ranked 4th in REF 2021) and across Faculties at UoS and our project partners.
Mass photometry is a state of the art, single molecule approach for determining the size of molecular assemblies based on light scattering. All biological processes are underpinned by how different biomolecules (e.g proteins, lipids, nucleic acids or carbohydrates) interact with each other. Example applications in Sheffield cover the full BBSRC remit, ranging from the relatively simple to incredibly complex, such as a single protein binding a DNA target sequence or assembly of photoreaction centres for photosynthesis. The common feature of these fundamental biological processes is a change in the size, or mass, of the biomolecules involved. For such a simple concept, observing a change in the mass of a biomolecular assembly can be very technically demanding and time-consuming in the lab.
Mass photometry is universally applicable, as all molecules scatter light, irrespective of their composition. This versatility means the instrument will benefit a vast array of research in Sheffield. To maximise the impact of the Mass Photometer, we will host the equipment in an existing core facility at UoS made available to researchers across faculties and external partners in the Sheffield region.
The proposal has a number of clearly defined objectives:
Provide a transformative technology, currently unavailable locally to Sheffield-based researchers, to prime new avenues for world leading research and revolutionise our research outputs.
Align the technology infrastructure at UoS with evolving research priorities at a national and international level.
Reinforce existing strengths in single molecule bioscience and technology development.
Maximise the efficiency and throughput of existing cryoEM, structural biology and 'omics facilities by providing a rapid and simple method to assess sample heterogeneity and quality, which will integrate seamlessly into current workflows.
Provide training in the latest single molecule biophysical technologies for graduate students on UKRI funded DTP programs, PGT courses and technical staff.
Support closer collaboration between bioscience researchers in the Sheffield region, and aligning technologies for basic research on UoS main campus with translational manufacturing capabilities at the Gene Therapy, Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC).
The proposal will bring facilities at Sheffield up to date with the latest technological developments, ensuring that our research infrastructure is aligned with evolving research practices. It will promote equality of opportunity between different regions of the UK, by providing researchers in Sheffield access to technologies available in other leading UK institutions. As the instrument will be housed in an established facility in an accessible location, we will ensure strong management, high environmental sustainability and reach the widest possible range of users.
We believe the proposal offers incredible value for money, an impact reflected in the breadth of research and number of applicants highlighted in this proposal, which will significantly boost the world leading research in the SoB (ranked 4th in REF 2021) and across Faculties at UoS and our project partners.