Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This proposal seeks funding to acquire a Langmuir-Blodgett micro-trough (LBMT) system to support NSERC-funded research in nanoscale biophysics and bionanotechnology. This equipment will enable the formation of monomolecular films at the air/water interface, the multifaceted study of their properties and their interaction with other biomolecules, and the deposition the monolayer films on various solid substrates. The LBMT system will be used in combination with biophysical techniques, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), Kelvin (KPFM) probe force microscopy, surface plasmon resonance and nanoscale electrophysiology. This instrumentation will constitute a unique cutting-edge facility at the U. of Waterloo which will be used to address important research questions spanning from fundamental biophysics to applications in biosensing and nanotechnology. The requested equipment will empower several forefront research directions such as: studying the molecular mechanisms of amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer's disease; understanding the structure and function of lung surfactants in relation to respiratory diseases and infections; exploring applications of biomimetic membranes for the development of novel approaches in biosensing and bionanotechnology such as new gene delivery systems for cancer research and novel solutions for contact lens technologies. These studies will significantly advance knowledge in the field of membrane biophysics and are anticipated to have a high impact on numerous health, social and economic challenges facing Canadians, such as the overwhelming rise of Alzheimer's disease, for which no cure is available; growing respiratory infections and lung diseases; and the need for new nanoscale platforms for diagnostics, biosensing and drug delivery. The unique combination of LBMT with advanced AFM/KPFM facility at Waterloo is not available anywhere in Canada. It will support our multiple national and international collaborations with academia and industry and stimulate new ones. The nanoscale studies of bimolecular films composed of lipids and synthetic or biological surfactants is of interest to the pharmaceutical industry, while thin film deposition on solid substrates with highly controlled speed and precision is important for biosensing and biomedical engineering. Funding such instrument at the U. of Waterloo will open new opportunities in Ontario and Canada for interdisciplinary innovative research at the interface of biophysics and nanotechnology. The proposed LBMT with its unique combination with other nanoscale biophysical techniques, will provide an exquisite platform for the interdisciplinary training of ~100 students of all levels at the U. of Waterloo in the next 5 years and will play a central and essential role in preparing them for their future careers in Physics, Biology or Nanotechnology.