Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Algoma University
$39,135.00
A Gas Chromatograph to Study Metabolic Pathways for Biofuel and Bioproduct Development
EF 2012-13
Résumé
In this proposal, I request funds to purchase an automated gas chromatography (GC) system, a piece of equipment that is essential to my research program and is not presently available in our University. GC is a highly sensitive analytical method that is used to separate mixtures of organic compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition, into individual components for their identification and quantification. This instrument is central to my research program, which deals with: 1) the biosynthesis and deposition of protective lipid polymers and waxes on plant cell walls; this knowledge is fundamental to engineering plants with improved resistance to environmental stresses, as well as plants that produce and accumulate commercially important fatty acids and lipids; 2) the characterization of oil from microalgae strains adapted to mine tailings habitat; this study aims at producing renewable fuels and natural heath products in microalgae grown in non-productive lands within Northern Ontario. I have chosen a reliable, robust GC system that allows for high-throughput analyses of fatty acid methyl esters, waxes, and other small organic compounds. This GC will enable research to find innovative strategies to improve plant resistance to biotic and climatic stresses, to develop carbon-neutral substitutes for fossil fuel based resources, and to identify high-value bio-products from biomass. The requested instrument will be used for training of undergraduate students, graduate students, and technicians, who will develop critical skills of value to Canada's emerging and priority economic sectors. This combination of fundamental and applied research will lead to innovation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and development of novel lipid polyester compounds for use in industry. The requested GC will allow me and my group to expedite our research goals, to accelerate our publication capacity in a priority research area for Canada, as well as to advance innovation of value to Northern Ontario.
Programme
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Bénéficiaire
Emplacement
Ontario, Canada
Type de bénéficiaire
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
Tel que publié
Application id
440334-2013
Name nom
Molina, Isabel
Department département
Biology and Chemistry
Organization id
29310
Institution établissement
Algoma University
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2012
Competition year année de concours
2013
Award amount
39135
Program id
EQPEQ
Program name en
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Program name fr
Outils et instruments de recherche - catégorie 1 (<150 000$)
Group en
Discovery grants programs
Group fr
Programmes de subventions à la découverte
Committee code
1502
Committee name en
Biological Systems and Functions
Committee name fr
Systèmes et fonctions biologiques
Area of application code
1201
Area of application group en
Advancement of knowledge
Area of application group fr
Avancement des connaissances
Area of application en
Life sciences (including biotechnology)
Area of application fr
Sciences de la vie (y compris biotechnologie)
Research subject code
4900
Research subject group en
Plant and treebiology
Research subject group fr
Biologie végétale et des arbres
Research subject en
Plant and treebiology
Research subject fr
Biologie végétale et des arbres
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
A Gas Chromatograph to Study Metabolic Pathways for Biofuel and Bioproduct Development
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
In this proposal, I request funds to purchase an automated gas chromatography (GC) system, a piece of equipment that is essential to my research program and is not presently available in our University. GC is a highly sensitive analytical method that is used to separate mixtures of organic compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition, into individual components for their identification and quantification. This instrument is central to my research program, which deals with: 1) the biosynthesis and deposition of protective lipid polymers and waxes on plant cell walls; this knowledge is fundamental to engineering plants with improved resistance to environmental stresses, as well as plants that produce and accumulate commercially important fatty acids and lipids; 2) the characterization of oil from microalgae strains adapted to mine tailings habitat; this study aims at producing renewable fuels and natural heath products in microalgae grown in non-productive lands within Northern Ontario. I have chosen a reliable, robust GC system that allows for high-throughput analyses of fatty acid methyl esters, waxes, and other small organic compounds. This GC will enable research to find innovative strategies to improve plant resistance to biotic and climatic stresses, to develop carbon-neutral substitutes for fossil fuel based resources, and to identify high-value bio-products from biomass. The requested instrument will be used for training of undergraduate students, graduate students, and technicians, who will develop critical skills of value to Canada's emerging and priority economic sectors. This combination of fundamental and applied research will lead to innovation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and development of novel lipid polyester compounds for use in industry. The requested GC will allow me and my group to expedite our research goals, to accelerate our publication capacity in a priority research area for Canada, as well as to advance innovation of value to Northern Ontario.
