Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Biological systems offer simpler, lower energy and more environmentally sustainable alternatives, but can only hold promise in larger scale implementation if the biological fundamentals of these systems are more clearly understood. The common research activities of the co-applicants urgently require the use of Advanced Molecular Tools for Characterizing Microbial Structures, Processes and Interfaces in Engineered and Natural Environmental System. The equipment will allow the co-applicants and their research groups to use advanced molecular biology methodologies that are the current state of the art and will provide more useful information to determine underlying mechanisms and to change our approach to optimizing reactor performance. The proposed suite of equipment was selected baste on its versatility to accommodate a broad range of projects, robustness/sensitivity of analysis of the equipment considering the nature of contaminants that can be present in environmental samples, and user-friendliness of the configuration and user interface that will facilitate the training of a number of researchers and HQP. The real-time PCR system is configured to maximize sample analysis, over a wide temperature range (4C to 100C). The QuantStudio Design and Analysis Web Browser-based and desktop Software, will make data relatively accessible to all users. The refrigerated microcentrifuge and micropipette kit will ensure a more meticulous sample preparation over a broad range of conditions. The thermal cycler with 3 independent temperature zones will enable more precise temperature control over PCR optimization and facilitate replication PCR analysis. It will come with a preloaded library of PCR simulation modes. The automated DNA/RNA extractor configuration will also be equipped preloaded protocols that can be use with optimized DNA and RNA isolation kits. The fluorometer measures real-time (3 min) DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations using a more sensitive fluorescence-based quantitation, compared to UV absorbance-based systems. It can be used with target-specific fluorescent dyes and assay reagents that can perform even in the presence of common contaminants and degraded samples, which is again essential given the nature of our research and sample sources. The electrophoresis system is an integrated system that combines real-time (15 min) DNR/RNA analysis with a HR camera for image capture. It comes with as preprogrammed protocols for each type of E-Gel agarose gel. These advanced molecular tools are urgently needed and once available will immediately be heavily used by three different departments at Queens, allowing for training of 12-12 Highly Qualified Personnel per year in the short-term, which is expected to grow with the opening of the new Beaty Water Research Centre (BWRC) facilities, and access and training is made available to other BWRC members and their students.