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

Biochemical analytical capabilities are essential for understanding molecular events in biological systems. Measured analytes can also serve as biomarkers or indicators of physiological adaptations to events such as growth and aging, but also challenges in regard to exercise and nutrition. Mass spectrometry techniques are critical for these complex biochemical analyses that are necessary for omic-type activities including protein characterization, and studies examining metabolites and lipids. Dr. Ken Stark currently has mass spectrometry equipment in the Department of Kinesiology, but the instrument is old and limited. Specificially, the system cannot perform product-fragment analysis necessary to identify the structure of native biological compounds. The University of Waterloo Mass Spectrometry Facility (UWMSF) in the Department of Chemistry presently has a Q Exactive (quadrupole-orbitrap) capable of tandem mass spectrometry, but requires a nanoscale liquid chromatograph (NanoLC) to increase the sensitivity. Adding the nanoLC to the front-end will allow samples to be introduced into the Q Exactive at an extremely low flow rate (~200-500nL/min compared to current 200µL/min) that will allow for separation and identification required to measure complicated lipid, protein and nutrient metabolite samples. These analyses are presently not available on the University of Waterloo campus. This equipment is critical for several research programs, but also necessary to enable proper training of undergraduates and graduate students.