Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The widespread use of metallic particles in a variety of products, such as sunscreen lotions, clothing, toothpaste, food packaging, etc., increases their concentration in biological systems and the environment, including the potable water of rural and indigenous communities without water treatment plants. How these particles affect our environment and influence the health of humans and animals is largely unknown. As a first step, researchers need an accurate, sensitive, and reliable method of measuring individual metallic particles. Similarly, to design metal-containing anti-cancer drugs that target tumors, measurement of drug uptake by individual cells requires a very sensitive technique. Traditional instruments used to take such measurements (such as the one in the applicant's lab) have adequate sensitivity, but most of the particles or cells introduced to the system pass through undetected. This provides an incomplete picture of the situation. Even state-of-the-art instruments cannot analyze all the particles and cells because the sample introduction system (which is the Achilles' heel of this type of instrument) wastes over 90% of the sample. For over 37 years, the applicant has been involved in this field of research and is a leading expert worldwide. Her group has conducted numerous fundamental studies on the sample introduction system and knows how to remedy the situation. No one else in Canada has more in-depth knowledge and experience with this type of instrument. The applicant's laboratory is the only one in the world to use infrared heating of the sample introduction system to eliminate sample waste. This novel approach, when combined with a newer technology, has the potential to ensure that all particles or cells are measured, and no samples are wasted. In essence, a complete picture of the environmental or biological situation would be realized, and from there crucial discoveries can be made. For example, sample introduction systems could be optimized for the analysis of particles and of cells, which will revolutionize how these measurements are currently carried out around the world. The improved instrument with infrared heating of the sample introduction system would also have the potential to measure how metal content influences individual enzymatic activities, which will lead to a better understanding of how bacteria can degrade pollutants and biosynthesize drug--like molecules. Finally, the improved instrument would inform the field of cancer drug discovery via the creation of new copper- and nickel--based anti--cancer medications. These agents would greatly benefit patients' access to more affordable (hence equitable) and safer medication than the current platinum-based medications. The applicant and co-applicants are committed to the training of graduate students in this rapidly growing field and would ensure that all commercialization aspects remain housed at a Canadian company.