Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Synopsis Encapsulation of non-living algae (as spent biomass) in a calcium alginate matrix provides a significant affinity for binding of metals. These binding properties of spent biomass can be used to recover valuable heavy metal by-products from wastewater effluents or provide a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution to heavy metal contamination from such wastewater effluents. Noblegen Inc. is an advanced biotechnology company located in Peterborough, ON that creates encapsulated biomass material. Currently the process includes a small peristaltic pump, tubing with an attached pipette tip, a retort stand, reaction vessel and a stir plate on their laboratory bench. This process is rather archaic and cumbersome. Noblegen Inc. has partnered with Lambton College to incorporate instrumentation and control into their process and conduct research to determine the optimal equipment and materials needed to increase and create this expanded process.The research team will include a Research Technician and two research students who will work closely with the Noblegen Inc. team. The anticipated results increase production of the product; allowing it to be produced at a rate required for commercialization, as well as allow the private sector party to turn a potential waste stream into something tangible and profitable. Subsequently It would help to substantially decrease the amount of liquid waste that such industries producing liquid waste would generate and decreasing environmental contaminants in other industries across Canada.