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

We are requesting funding for a capillary differential scanning calorimeter (DSC); this instrument is a powerful tool for measuring the changes in energy associated with structural transitions and binding interactions for all the major classes of biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates, as well as smaller ligands, such as metal ions. Thus, DSC is a unique and invaluable tool for analyzing the energetics governing the structure and function of a huge range of biomolecule systems. The understanding of such energetics is essential for manipulating and controlling the behaviour of these systems, in nature, biotechnology and medicine. While there has been exciting progress in defining biomolecule energetics, we still have much work to do to reach the ultimate goal of an accurate, predictive understanding of biomolecule structure and function. Currently, there is only one DSC for biomolecules in the entire Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo. This instrument, purchased in 2001 and now discontinued by the manufacturer, is at the natural end of its useful lifetime. Its performance and productivity have been deteriorating rapidly, with serious failures in multiple hardware and software components. This is very costly in terms of instrument repair and the need to repeat failed experiments for samples that require substantial time and expensive materials to prepare. The lack of reliable and timely access to DSC is seriously impeding the research progress of many investigators in the groups of the 3 co-applicants, and other DSC users throughout the faculty. Thus, we urgently require a new DSC to be effective and competitive in our research on a wide range of projects important for fundamental science, health, and industry. The requested modern DSC has much improved design compared to older instruments, with easier and more effective loading of much smaller amounts of precious samples. This DSC will provide hands-on training for hundreds of personnel in using this invaluable instrumentation for academic, government and industrial settings.