Bioproducts analysis facilties

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Research in our laboratories concerns the structure and function relationship of carbohydrate-active enzymes, proteins that catalyse biochemical reactions involving sugars. Central to these investigations, which focus on bacterial, yeast, and plant physiology and metabolism, is the need for the purification and analysis of biomolecules, such as proteins, carbohydrates, organic acids and alcohols. To this end, the principal applicant maintains and operates a number of liquid chromatography systems including carbohydrate analysis facility for researchers at the University of Guelph and beyond. At the core of this facility is a Dionex high-pH anion-exchange chromatograph coupled with pulsed-amperometric detection for the resolution and detection carbohydrates at levels below one billionth of a gram. However, samples have to been injected into the system manually thus compromising the efficiency of the service. To provide better service, we propose to purchase a Dionex AP-AS autosampler that interfaces to the existing equipment. Also, chromatography equipment used for the purification of the proteins and enzymes under investigation has deteriorated to point where it needs to be replaced. Hence, we also propose to purchase a dedicated protein purification system, an Akta Pure M1 chromatography system. Finally, we have a need to analyse for the concentration of alcohols in various biological samples by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Alcohols do not absorb light and they are not ionic thus precluding the use of spectrophotometric or ion detectors that typically comprise HPLC systems. However, the detection of alcohols can be achieved by monitoring the change in refractive index that they cause in carrier solvents and so we propose to equip an existing HPLC system with a new RI detector.