Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

An asymmetric flow-field-flow-fractionation (AF4) unit with a separation range of one thousand to one billion relative molecular weight (MR) is requested. The unit is coupled to an on-line multi-angle static light scattering detector (MALS) for calibration-independent molecular weight and size determination of proteins and peptides, biopolymers, and nanoparticles in the size / MR range of 1 nm-100 µm / 1000 - 1B , respectively.The AF4/MALS unit is an important cornerstone for the department's facilities to fully characterize biopolymers and nanoparticles with respect to the chemical and properties, their technological functionality in food and non-food applications, and their impact in human and animal nutrition. The proposed infrastructure complements existing equipment in the laboratories of the applicants by cutting-edge technology for the separation and size determination of functional poly- and oligosaccharides, (polymeric) proteins and lipids. The unit is urgently required for ongoing research programs relating to the properties of biopolymers on the sensory quality and shelf life of cereal products (Drs. GÂnzle, Temelli, and Vasanthan), the effect of poly - and oligosaccharides and intestinal fibre fermentation on human and animal health (Drs. GÂnzle, Temelli, and Vasanthan), the characterization of non-starch polysaccharides in by-products of grain processing (Dr. Bressler), the characterization of plant and animal proteins and their interaction with phenolic compounds in food- and non-food applications (Dr. Schieber and Wu), and the size determination of micro- and nanoparticles (Dr. Temelli).The joint use of the unit will strongly contribute to the integration of the research programs of the investigators and the establishment of a critical mass concerning the functional analysis of biopolymers.