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

We have been working now for 10 years to develop laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) whole column imaging detection (WCID) equipment for capillary electrophoresis of biological species. Recently, we have made an important breakthrough, with a successful development of the capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) system with liquid-core waveguide (LCW)-LIF-WCID. The sensitivity was enhanced by up to 5 orders of magnitude as compared with UV-WCID. This system has been successfully applied to separation and detection of proteins, antibodies, viruses and cells. However, the optical system used for the LCW-LIF-WCID setup is mainly based on the optical components previously used for UV yabsorption detection. The UV sensitive CCD camera, a product of a dozen years ago, is far from the sensitivity and response time that our group requires to continue development of this technology. There is need for improvement of the detection sensitivity and image-sampling rate. In addition, the lack of a deep UV laser limits the utilization in WCID of native fluorescence, which is a straightforward method to achieve LIF detection avoiding the time-consuming and cost-inefficient labeling procedure. Therefore, we have a critical need for modern CCD camera, UV laser, necessary optical components and funds to put together the whole column imaging system in our facility. The system will be used by at least two graduate students and one post doctoral fellow to sustain momentum in research leading to the development of high-sensitivity LIF-WCID technique for CE, especially CIEF, of biological species present at trace levels, to monitoring and characterization of the dynamics of processes occurring in biological systems such as reactions and interactions involving proteins. We are also planning to use the same components to construct a new type of the whole column imaging system based on Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS).  The imaging techniques and the systems we propose to construct are unique and powerful research tools, which gives Canada competitiveness edge in the field of proteomic research. There is commitment from Convergent Bioscience, Ontario based company to develop products based on the WCID systems.  Developments of cutting edge applications of scientific and commercial value using the proposed LCW-LIF-WCID equipment will encourage Convergent Bioscience to commercialize this technology in Canada.