A Gas Chromatograph to Study Metabolic Pathways for Biofuel and Bioproduct Development

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

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.