Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Nanoparticles (NPs) are particles in the nanometer range (1/1000th of a millimeter) with size-dependent properties. Recent research in material science has resulted in successful engineering of wide varieties of NPs with different composition and properties (e.g. size). There are also NPs that are naturally produced by the body and are responsible for important biological functions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural NPs secreted from the cells to communicate with other cells. Despite years of excellent individual investigations, our ability to predict the behaviour of NPs in the biological environment is still limited. This is because research approaches rely on relating the behavior of NPs to their native properties in simple artificial solutions. However, the properties of NPs change when they interact with the different biological fluids present in the body. In some situations, NPs could agglomerate and become unstable in biological fluids. The concentration of NPs is expected to directly impact their biological performance. It is crucial for material scientists, nanoscientists and EV biologists at the University of Manitoba to access novel technologies that allow for unambiguous determination of size and concentration of NPs in biological fluids. This will allow researchers at UManitoba to generate new knowledge on the true behaviour of natural and engineered NPs, allowing for competition in this area on the global stage and ultimately enabling engineers and scientists to develop NPs with predictable and efficient behaviour in the body. The requested nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) platform will fill this important void at UManitoba, and will help establish UManitoba as a leading international centre for advanced nanomaterial and EV biology. The NTA platform enables real-time single particle tracking using the light scattering of NPs while they are diffusing in fluids. This is the only technique that can generate reliable, precise and accurate size and concentration measurements of NPs in complex biological fluids. Fluorescence detection capability of the newest NTA platforms can detect sub-populations within a mixture of NPs that differ in composition. NTA has become the gold standard for these measurements by regulatory agencies. Several researchers at UManitoba will use this tool to support fundamental research programs to study the interaction of engineered NPs and EVs with biomolecules and cells, and explore new opportunities for developing new drug delivery systems with predictable behaviour in the body. Our HQP will be provided with unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge training required for careers in material science, material and biomedical engineering, nanotechnology and biology. The purchase of this NTA equipment is thus timely to stimulate advances in the areas of nanoscience and EV biology, and train new personnel in state-of-the-art nanotechnology skills that will satisfy Canadian market needs.