Particle size analysing system for material composites applications in the biomedical engineering field

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Particle engineering is a rapidly emerging field which requires accurate characterization tools in order for research teams working in the area to be competitive at an international level. Several research groups at the University of Toronto who are now involved in engineering biomaterial particulates and the characterization of altered cell types, with sizes ranging from the nano- to the high micron scale for research and discovery of novel materials and therapeutic systems applied in health care (drug delivery for cardiac tissues, hard and soft tissue adhesives, biosynthetically altered cells, dental and bone composites) have a need to access dedicated state-of-the art particle size analyser systems. Over the past two years the lead PI's NSERC Discovery and Industry Synergy grants have significantly increased their activity in novel polymer design for nano and micro-particles in collaboration with many groups at the University of Toronto, and this has been in part of interest to translational activities associated with two U of T spin out companies (Interface Biologics Inc- ORF-RE grant; Polumiros Inc - NSERC-CIHR Collaborative grant). Particle analysis work requires a system controlled for contamination that could affect the interpretation of data on cell toxicity and the performance of drug payloads, as well as systems having versatility for particle size analytics (important in defining drug dosing, electrical charges that influence protein and cell interactions, and properly identifying cell phenotypes from multi-cell type mixtures). The latter are critical for the research to go forward. Santerre's NSERC Discovery renewal in 1.5 years will have approx. 60% of its activity related to particle size analysis, and the combined PIs will have > 20 trainee projects dependent on access to these systems. The equipment will be under Santerre’s oversight and located in the Translational Biology and Engineering Program (TBEP) at the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research (where 5 of the users are located and there are currently no such systems). The importance of access to such systems has been recognized by the TBEP who has committed to providing matching funding for service contracts, above the 150K that will be provided by NSERC if funded. While we have gained limited access to other systems on campus over the past few years, they are in high demand by other groups, which delays our timely access to them, and they are not configured to the range of particle sizes and diversity of chemistry that our various projects needs are aligned with. The identified sytems are the Delsa-Max zeta potential particle size analysis (particle size range of .3nm-10µm; data acquisition is in seconds and software analytics are sophisticated and versatile), and the Multi-sizer 4E (particle size range of 0.4-2000µm; provides particle number and size distribution, and can be used for differentiating cells; versatile analytics).