Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The requested equipment is a Gas Chromatography (GC) system that will be integrated with an existing Quadrupole Time of Flight (QTOF) Mass Spectrometer to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with a high mass accuracy. This will create a world class system for determination and identification of non-volatiles, volatiles and semi-volatile compounds and substantially advance the applicants' research and training. Fast separations with exceptional efficiency and resolution for semi-volatiles and volatile compounds with a 2 ppm mass accuracy will be achieved using this system. It is necessary for the applicants' interdisciplinary research collaboration related to VOCs formation in various foods and crops and their potential interactions with other food components. In addition, the requested instrument will permit the identification of bioactive compounds in foods that have shown beneficial functionalities in our previous studies. The applicants are experienced NSERC-funded researchers and have established collaborative projects as demonstrated by jointly held funding. When added to existing fully food-grade, sensory research laboratories and liquid chromatography-QTOF capabilities, the requested system will place the University of Manitoba and the research capabilities of the applicants at the premier position in Canada for studies comprising flavouromics and identification of bioactive compounds. This equipment will significantly impact the existing collaboration among applicants in 2 different departments and will provide a unique platform which can be used by the current 9 graduate students and 3 technicians, and within the next 5 years 12 more graduate and 4 undergraduate students across the combined NSERC programs.