Fundings

The Institute of Fluorescence, IoF, is well positioned to address important National and International Scientific Issues and Concerns.

Over the last 10 years, The IoF staff has secured competitive funding in excess of $20 million dollars through > 50 funded grants, to pursue their research aspirations.

Current funding in the IoF can be categorized in 3 main areas, Industrial, State and Federal funding, and is focused at:

  • The development of a fundamental understanding of Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF), and more broadly, metal-fluorophore interactions and their respective photophysics.
  • The development of ultra-fast and ultra-sensitive assay sensing platforms (MAMEF), such as for the detection of genomic anthrax DNA, MRSA, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Listeria  and cardiac markers.
  • The Plasmon-enhanced generation of Oxygen-rich species, such as singlet oxygen and superoxide.
  • The development of novel fluorescence probes, such as new fluorescent molecules for tear-glucose determination and probes for the detection of free cyanide.
  • The development of an ultra-fast and sensitive assay platform for Anthrax Protective Antigen (PA).
  • The development of a glucose sensing contact lens for future use by diabetics.
  • Introducing low-power microwave concepts into current biochemical and biological settings.
  • Developing directional emission assays, Surface Plasmon Coupled Fluorescence (SPCF) and Emission (SPCE), where isotropic emission can be coupled to metal surface plasmons and monitored at a unique angle, substantially increasing the assay sensitivity and suppressing unwanted background noise.
  • The development of pathogen lysing strategies.
  • The development of Carbon nanodots for imaging applications.

Sponsored Research Program Opportunities (Industry and Governments)

The Institute of Fluorescence is happy to discuss sponsored programs with both Federal and Industrial parties. We have a history of developing cutting edge technologies for our sponsors. Sponsored Program costs are dependent on both the expertise required and the length of program etc. A University indirect cost rate of 48.0 % applies to all sponsored programs.

The typical cost for an average-experience postdoctoral researcher for 1 year is $118,104 + supplies, + PI time.

Breakdown = (60,000 salary, 19,800 fringe, + $38, 304 University indirect cost rate).

Fee for Service

The Institute of Fluorescence routinely undertakes fee for service relationships with Industry and Government. Typical services we offer include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Measurement of Fluorescence Spectra, Various solvents and Temperature
  • Measurement of Absorption Spectra.
  • Fluorescence / phosphorescence lifetimes, Quantum Yields, Singlet Oxygen Yields.
  • Time Resolved Measurements: Polarization / Anisotropy.
  • Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy
  • Photophysical properties and optical characterization of new molecules and biological samples.
  • Fluorescence Microscopy / cellular imaging.
  • A fully operation BSL 3 suite. (BioSafety Level 3).
  • Pump probe and Upconversion measurements.
  • Single Molecule Spectroscopy
  • Synthesis of fluorescent probes.
  • Development of Sensors for Industrial and Biological applications.
  • Metal and Plasmon-enhanced Phenomena, such as metal-enhanced fluorescence.

For consulting and expert witness opportunities, click here.