Phenom XL SEM with EDS for advanced biology, engineering, and environmental health at a Puerto Rico university
Official title: Acquisition of a Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM with EDS Capabilities to Advance Multidisciplinary Research and Undergraduate Training in Puerto Rico.
Funded at University of Pr Cayey University Coll · NIH-11354573 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A high‑end scanning electron microscope with elemental analysis will be bought to support biology, engineering, materials science, environmental health, and teaching at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pr Cayey University Coll NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cayey, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2026 |
| Project end | July 2, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $246,733 |
| NIH project number | 1S10GM164538-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11354573 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal for researchers and students working on microbiology, biomedical engineering, environmental health, materials science, and drug‑delivery systems who can translate findings into real‑world medical solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients in unrelated fields or outside the regional network may not directly benefit from this equipment purchase.
What this research studies
This project buys a Phenom XL G2 Desktop SEM with EDS to produce high‑resolution images and analyze the elemental makeup of biological and synthetic materials. It will support ongoing and future research on antimicrobial coatings for urinary catheters, biofilm studies, and surface characterization of biomedical devices, as well as particle analysis and drug-delivery material design. In addition to research, the instrument will be incorporated into undergraduate courses and capstone projects with hands‑on microscopy training and structured SEM/EDS certification. The SEM will be a shared core resource that extends access to investigators across UPR‑Cayey and collaborating institutions, strengthening regional research capacity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients could benefit indirectly through faster development of safer medical devices and new materials that prevent infections.
How similar studies have gone: Having access to advanced SEM facilities in universities has enabled meaningful imaging and materials analysis in similar settings, supporting hands‑on training and collaboration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pr Cayey University Coll
Cayey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maldonado, Rafael — University of Pr Cayey University Coll
- Study coordinator: Maldonado, Rafael
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.