Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Many scientists need to analyze and identify chemicals and biochemicals to support research programs with broad-ranging societal and environmental goals. As new and in some cases structurally complex chemical and biochemical materials are designed, prepared and isolated, more capable techniques are required for their identification. Towards this goal, the ever-evolving fields of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry provide improved modes of analysis, as made available via state-of-the art equipment. Funds are requested for an ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system coupled to a mass spectrometer (MS) capable of fragmentation (MS/MS) to satisfy a hands-on research community in need of the ability to easily monitor the progress and success of chemical reactions and biochemical protocols. The requested instrumentation will provide researchers from multiple groups with the first high-throughput means by which to monitor reactions and protocols, and thus rapidly analyze outcomes. The requested instrumentation will replace laborious bench methods (TLC) currently in use, and will thus enable researchers to become experienced with techniques that are routinely used in the industries for which they are being trained. The requested multi-user uHPLC/MS/MS instrument will be located in the Dalhousie Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility (DCMSF). This facility has been operating for 13 years with Dr. Alison Thompson, a co-applicant herein, as the Director. The facility is supported by a dedicated full-time Dalhousie expert staff technician, as well as through the provision of dedicated specialized laboratory space and an office. The robust, long-term, and successful operating model made available through the DCMSF will be utilized as a means of managing and maintaining the requested uHPLC/MS/MS; in doing so the instrument will be maintained in a research-ready state for trainees needing hands-on high throughput and detailed data for their research projects. The application is submitted on behalf of the research community that uses the facility. Over the past four years the facility has served the needs of 40 research groups at 15 institutions in 5 provinces: the requested uHPLC/MS/MS will be carefully managed to ensure maximum usage, efficiency of use, and optimal research insight. The requested uHPLC/MS/MS will enable research trainees to learn how to use modern analytical equipment to further research goals in areas such as: inventing improved catalysts for green technology; exploring novel structural diversity as a tool for drug discovery; characterizing the molecular behaviour of biomolecules such as proteins and amino acids; identifying biomarkers for early disease detection; characterizing mechanisms of chemical reactions; and synthesizing new functional materials.