Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Ultracentrifuges are crucial laboratory tools that allow researchers to purify and isolate cellular components based on differences in density. In the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), many labs use ultracentrifugation to concentrate and purify subcellular components, proteins, bacteria, and viruses. Specifically, we can apply this technique to separate out parts of bacterial cells, or host cells infected with microorganisms, to study changes in proteins, lipids, metabolites, and DNA. This information has been very valuable for our research, for example, to help understand how bacterial structures have evolved over time, or reveal how microorganisms interact with our immune system. Due to an increase in the number of research labs investigating evolutionary and ecological dynamics of microbial interactions, the demand for ultracentrifugation has surged. Our department currently lacks a functional ultracentrifuge. The existing two units are more than 20 years old and no longer capable of reaching the speeds necessary for effective density separation. Consequently, there is an immediate need for a new ultracentrifuge to maintain the high quality of our research. A new unit will address the expanding needs of our research teams and provide highly qualified personnel (HQP) in our labs with essential hands-on experience in operating this vital equipment. Given the size of our department, and with department-wide access, the ultracentrifuge will support research and training in 27 labs, including 55 current HQPs from the main applicants' labs. Ultracentrifugation is key for studying the biophysical properties of microbial agents - informing research into bacterial and viral evolution, antimicrobial resistance, host-pathogen interactions, and more - thus allowing our HQP to acquire skills and knowledge that are in high demand in both academia and industry. As the biotechnology sector in Canada grows, expertise in concentrating, purifying and analyzing cellular components will be a valuable asset for HQP pursuing careers in these fields.