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

The requested Micro-Ultra Centrifuge is very effective in pelletizing subcellular particles, viruses, DNA and RNA, protein purification and isolation, differential flotation of lipoproteins, isolation of cellular organelles (ribosomes, mitochondria, microsomes) and nanoparticles. The unit is very crucial for Drs. Ghaly, Brooks, Budge, Ghanem, Gill and Yildiz research groups. The current unit is 46 years old and on its last leg, is down most of the time and does not handled small volumes nor the required high speed for the separation of small molecules. The proposed unit will provide ample centrifugal force for separation of high value nutraceuticals (fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, aminoacids) pharmaceuticals (bioactive peptides, jadomycin, chymotrypsin, pepsin, collagenase, enzyme inhibitors: alpha-1 antiproteinase, alpha-2 macroglobulin, anticoagulants: heparin and heparin-like glycosaminoglycans). Extraction of enzyme inhibitors (alpha-1 antiproteinase, alpha-2 macroglobulin) and anticoagulants (heparin and heparin-like glycosaminoglycans) and their purification and recovery can only be possible at higher centrifugal force. It is impossible to carry out the separation of chylomicrons from other lipoproteins in fish blood (for measuring the stable carbon isotopes of specific fatty acids) or to extract and purify the nanoparticles formulated from the natural biopolymer chitosan, antibiotics (jadomycin) from bacteria cells and nanoencapsulation of adenosine and flavonoids. Lipids from fish waste and algae will be separated for determining the theoretical fish oil and biofuel yield which will determine the amount of fish waste required for fish oil production and the size of microalgae production operation. The proposed instrument will be use in several research projects which utilize renewable natural resources (algae), waste (fish and animal rendering) to produce high value added products (biodiesel, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals) and mitigate environmental problems associated with the disposal of these wastes, thereby improving the sustainability of current industries, creating new industries and new employment opportunities and putting Canada in the fore front of environmental, bioenergy and biomedical technology.