Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs), like arsenic, cadmium and lead, are monitored by government agencies in food and pharmaceutical products to ensure their safety. Their speciation analysis (i.e., measurement of their chemical forms) is not sufficient because gastrointestinal digestion may alter speciation, requiring speciation analysis of the bioaccessible fraction, i.e., the fraction dissolved in the gastro-intestinal tract. As well, the determination of nanoparticles (NPs), which are often added to extend product lifetime, improve appearance, etc., should be done in the bioaccessible fraction to assess their stability and any transformation. Food should be prepared and analyzed as consumed because cooking may alter speciation and bioaccessibility. In forensic analysis, new multielement analysis methods are needed to help investigators when there is no witness. The objectives of this research program are to: 1. study the bioaccessibility of PTEs, their species, and NPs in staple food and pharmaceutical products using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry (MS) and the effect of washing and cooking food; 2. develop sensitive methods based on ICP optical emission spectrometry (OES) for the analysis and speciation analysis of fluorine in the bioaccessible fraction from food and pharmaceutical products; and 3. improve or develop methods based on electrothermal vaporization (ETV) coupled to ICPOES for forensic analysis as well as for the quick analysis of food and pharmaceutical products as a first step in risk assessment. Indeed, if PTEs are at levels below their maximum allowable limit, then the food or product is safe to consume. If their level is above the allowable limit, then measurement of bioaccessibility allows a more realistic risk assessment, as only the fraction dissolved in the gastro-intestinal tract may end up in the blood stream where toxic effects may ensue.   Throughout this research program, emphasis will be on keeping methods simple to implement and use for wide applicability, especially by Canadian authorities. The extent to which simple food pretreatment, such as washing grains prior to cooking and toasting bread, can reduce the levels of arsenic and other PTEs will be assessed and, if effective, recommended to Canadians. The resulting methods and findings will allow Canadian authorities to set appropriate regulations pertaining to the levels of PTEs (and perhaps even specific element species) and NPs in food and pharmaceutical products, thereby reducing or eliminating immuno-toxicological effects and thus improving the health of Canadians. The new forensic analysis methods, developed in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, will be a valuable addition to the arsenal of Law Enforcement agencies to help solve cases. The 33 students involved in this research will get hands-on training with in-demand analytical techniques, helping close the skill gap employers are currently facing in this field.