# Multiphoton Laser Scanning Microscope

> **NIH NIH S10** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · 2021 · $829,138

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The Texas A&M University College of Dentistry maintains a vigorous and growing research program focused
on three main areas: 1) mineralized tissue formation and destruction, 2) craniofacial development, and 3)
neurobiology of pain. As the number and diversity of NIH-funded research projects has increased over the past
several years, so has our need for research infrastructure. This application addresses a key point of that need
with a request for funding to purchase a multiphoton (MP) laser scanning microscope. This instrument will
allow us to image fluorescent probes deep within palate, bone, and tooth in a way that is impossible with our
current equipment. It will be built around an inverted stage with an environmental chamber that will allow us to
track the migration of cells in live tissue explants over long periods. Fibrillar collagens and enamel are the
basis for mineralized tissue, and the unique ability of MP imaging to generate second harmonics in both will
allow us view the intimate relationship of the bone and tooth matrices with the cells that produce them. The
inclusion of multicolor confocal laser scanning capability on this MP scope means we will be able to observe
multiple fluorescent cellular probes in cleared samples while simultaneously viewing the structure of their
matrix niche with second harmonics. Our neurobiology faculty will use the deep imaging ability of MP
technology to visualize brain tracts and synaptic connections in the pathways that transduce orofacial pain.
Our investigators’ needs for this instrument fall under two main classifications. First are those who have been
using expensive off-site MP instruments at fee-for-service facilities to advance the Specific Aims of their funded
projects. Second are those whose funded projects would benefit greatly from MP imaging, but who have found
it too impractical to incorporate without an instrument of our own. Both these categories are well represented in
the Major User Group. Acquisition of this long overdue instrument will allow our already productive
investigators better achieve the stated Aims of their grants and enable new advances that they could not
otherwise achieve.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10177356
- **Project number:** 1S10OD028735-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** M. Douglas Benson
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $829,138
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-06-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10177356

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10177356, Multiphoton Laser Scanning Microscope (1S10OD028735-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10177356. Licensed CC0.

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