Project Summary: NIH RLI-S10: Acquisition of Confocal Raman Microscope System The proposal aims to secure funding for the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPR-C), a non-PhD granting institution with a predominantly Hispanic student body, to acquire the versatile and advanced XploRA PLUS Raman Microscope (XP RM). This instrument will support and advance research activities in chemistry, biology, and natural science at UPR-C. The XP RM system offers a range of advanced features, including XYZ sample positioning, fast mapping, microscope visualization options, and macroscopic observations in the UV, visible, and near-infrared regions, enabling comprehensive sample characterization. It will directly impact on research and education, benefiting both primary and minority users at UPR-C and other participating institutions. The proposal outlines two educational activities and five research projects that will utilize the XP RM system. The Physics for Bioscience course will equip students interested in bioscience, medicine, and pharmaceuticals with the necessary knowledge, utilizing the XP RM for pharmaceutical detection. In the Experimental Methods of Physics laboratory, students will incorporate the XP RM to design and characterize polymeric scaffolds for biomedical applications. The five research projects, led by two early-career faculty, a postdoctoral fellow, and two senior faculty focus on topics such as lipid dendrimers for drug delivery, solid electrolyte performance of medical device batteries, polymer scaffold studies, sensors for noxious gases monitoring, and biosensors for pharmaceutical product detection. Acquiring the XP RM system aligns with the intent of an NIH RLI-S10 grant, providing a cutting-edge multi-user instrument that significantly enhances capability, resolution, and throughput. It empowers scientists from various universities to work in diverse areas of biomedical research. Moreover, the impact extends beyond scientific advancements, as the instrument will provide research opportunities for the Hispanic community, benefiting over a hundred members of the scientific community in Puerto Rico annually. The XP RM will serve as the primary instrument in UPR-C’s multi-user facilities, fostering research and serving as a training center where students can learn advanced analytical techniques. By actively participating in biomedical research activities and utilizing sophisticated instruments, students gain confidence and motivation to pursue graduate studies. The proposed XP RM system incorporates a unique alignment system, enabling users of all skill levels, including undergraduate students engaged in biomedical research or coursework, to acquire data without extensive training or expertise. This inclusive approach ensures broad utilization of the instrument and promotes the development of a diverse scientific workforce.

Project Narrative: The acquisition of the XploRA PLUS Raman Microscope (XP RM) at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (UPR-C) is highly relevant to public health as it enables advanced research in biomedical sciences, such as the characterization of polymer scaffolds for biomedical applications, studying lipid dendrimers for drug delivery, and solid electrolyte performance of medical device batteries. The instrument's impact on research and education at UPR-C is significant, empowering underrepresented students, promoting diversity, and fostering scientific engagement through projects that utilize the XP RM in courses, laboratories, and biomedical research.