Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

We request funds for a nanoparticle tracking analyzer (NTA) with operation and analysis software - a research instrument essential to maintain and advance the progress of our fundamental research programs. While the three of us conduct research in very different areas, this versatile equipment will support HQP training in the laboratories of Drs. Simmons, Zenkina, and Easton in the Faculty of Science at Ontario Tech University (OTU). All of our labs currently require a method for counting and measuring the size of particles and bioparticles that are present in heterogeneous mixtures. Without this equipment, we cannot move onto the next applications of our intended, NSERC-funded, long-term research goals. NTA equipment enables size characterization and counting of particles in liquids. Using laser illumination and an ultramicroscope, small particles in a liquid suspension can be visualized by relating the rate of Brownian motion to particle size with temperature and viscosity of the liquid as variable factors that influence the results. NTA allows the determination of a size distribution profile of small particles with a diameter of 10-1000 nanometers (nm). The requested NTA equipment will be utilized by ~35 Ontario Tech HQPs (Easton 11, Zenkina 10, Simmons 8, other research groups 6) will use this instrument on a regular basis per year. We project the research lifetime of this instrumentation to be 15 - 20 years. Therefore, ca. 700 HQPs will have an opportunity to use this instrument over its lifetime and it will contribute to their research and career development. As well, this equipment will support the creation of new materials that will reduce our reliance on carbon-based fuels, smarter materials that provide information for the protection of humans and animals, and improve environmental monitoring to reduce human impacts on aquatic ecosystems.