High speed, high volume centrifuge

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We are four researchers in the Department of Chemistry and one researcher in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University, and we are applying for a versatile high capacity and high speed floor-model centrifuge.  Our research is focused on the study of protein structure and function and on the discovery of new materials.  Proteins are major functional players in living organisms, and the relationship between their structure and their function is complex.  One project addresses odorant-binding proteins from insect chemosensory systems, with the aim of developing new compounds that interfere with pest insects.  A second set of projects addresses cytochrome P450, an enzyme that catalyzes one of the most difficult chemical reactions known: the insertion of an oxygen atom into a carbon-hydrogen bond.  This enzyme may be developed into catalysts in environmentally benign processes.  A third project addresses cryptochromes, proteins that are involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms.  A fourth project aims to understand the rapid molecular motions in several proteins.  This knowledge is important for the design of new drugs, pest control agents and materials.  A fifth project focuses on metal-transporting proteins, which can be developed into targeted anticancer agents. A sixth set of projects addresses bacterial pili, filamentous protein structures that are important in bacterial infection.  A seventh project specializes in the design of new nanostructured materials, for myriad applications, ranging from non-linear optic materials to imaging agents for diseased tissue.  A centrifuge is essential to all of these projects, because they require production of proteins or nanostructured materials in large quantities.  The centrifuge is used at various stages of isolation and purification of the required products. Currently we do not have sufficient access to a floor-model centrifuge for our research needs.  The requested centrifuge will enable us to produce larger quantities of the products we research more quickly.  This, in turn, will ensure a higher quality and productivity of our respective research programs.