DRAFT
Request for Proposals
Methods for characterizing sub-visible particulates

The detection and characterization of sub-visible particulates in solution is of increasing concern to the pharmaceutical industry. The Biomolecular Interaction Technologies Center (BITC, www.bitc.unh.edu), a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, is soliciting proposals for novel or improved methods for characterizing sub-visible (0.1 – 5 μm) particulates.
This RFP focuses on the development or characterization of new or improved instrumentation or methods for detecting small quantities of sub-visible particulates and for characterizing the size of the particulates.
Parameters that are of particular interest include:

• What size ranges are accessible by the method?
• What is the sensitivity limit?
• How does the sensitivity of the method vary over the size range?
• How well are different sized particulates discriminated?
• Is a histogram of the size distribution provided?
• What are the solvent requirements/limitations?

Researchers at academic institutions are eligible to apply. The research must be conducted within the U.S. Awards typically range from $15,000 to $50,000 per year; project duration is typically two years. Researchers are encouraged to cite BITC support in proposals for funding from other sources, to use BITC funds to leverage grants and other funding opportunities, to support a portion of an instrument development project, or to support a graduate student or postdoctoral appointment. Institution overhead fees are held at 10% at the request of the NSF IUCRC program.
Submit a one-page preproposal via email as either an RTF or Word document, or as a PDF (deadline below). Preproposals must include a description of the project, estimated cost, duration, and credentials of the principal investigator. Email to: Dr. Thomas M. Laue, bitc.unh@unh.edu.

DRAFT
Request for Proposals
Methods for characterizing interaction of antibodies with cell-surface receptors

The determination of binding affinities and the characterization of the kinetics of interaction for antibody:cell surface protein interactions is of increasing concern to the pharmaceutical industry. The Biomolecular Interaction Technologies Center (BITC, www.bitc.unh.edu), a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, is soliciting proposals for novel or improved methods for quantifying the binding affinities (KD's) and kon and koff rates for these interactions.
This RFP focuses on the development or characterization of new or improved instrumentation or methods for valid determination of KD's and kinetic constants (kon and koff rates) that govern the interaction of therapeutic antibody candidates with cell-surface receptors as they are expressed on the cell surface.
Parameters that are of particular interest include:

• Binding constant (KD).
• kinetic constants (kon and koff rates)
• The number of immuno-competent receptors on the cell surface
• Of particular interest are methods that employ existing instrumentation.

Researchers at academic institutions are eligible to apply. The research must be conducted within the U.S. Awards typically range from $15,000 to $50,000 per year; project duration is typically two years. Researchers are encouraged to cite BITC support in proposals for funding from other sources, to use BITC funds to leverage grants and other funding opportunities, to support a portion of an instrument development project, or to support a graduate student or postdoctoral appointment. Institution overhead fees are held at 10% at the request of the NSF IUCRC program.
Submit a one-page preproposal via email as either an RTF or Word document, or as a PDF (deadline below). Preproposals must include a description of the project, estimated cost, duration, and credentials of the principal investigator. Email to: Dr. Thomas M. Laue, bitc.unh@unh.edu.