Zetasizer Ultra for Advanced Characterization of Microplastics, Nanomaterials and Biocolloids

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We are requesting a Zetasizer Ultra with the capability to measure size, surface charge and concentration of a wide range of micro- and nano-particles (e.g., metals, polymers, bacteria, viruses, proteins) in many different types of media (e.g., seawaters, freshwaters, soil porewaters, buffers, culture media, organic solvents). This technology will allow us to advance our ongoing NSERC-funded research activities and make new discoveries in many areas of global significance: e.g., microplastic pollution, environmental nanotechnology, drug delivery systems, exosome signalling, materials for cell culture, and nanobiomaterials. This state-of-the-art system will be the first in Canada and will support the active research programs of 3 co-applicants in the Departments of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering at McGill and several other users in Engineering and Science at McGill and elsewhere in Quebec. Major advantages of this system are the significantly improved resolution, the minimization of the influence of sample contaminants, non-destructive analysis, ultra-low sample volume measurement capability, and particle counting without calibration. The addition of the Zetasizer Ultra to our existing suite of materials characterisation tools ensures a unique and state-of-the-art environment where at least 25 students will have the opportunity for immediate hands-on training in handling and characterization of colloids and biocolloids. These are highly marketable skills that are transferrable in many areas of research and development: e.g., nanotechnologies, biomedical sciences, manufacturing of chemicals, paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, food and beverage, and environmental industries. Thus, funding of this instrument would be a relatively inexpensive means to bring state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to the Canadian research community. The research enabled by this instrument will positively impact the lives of Canadians by providing the information needed to regulate the production, use, and disposal of potentially harmful materials, revolutionize the development of biomaterials and technologies for treatment and diagnosis of diseases, and transform the efficiency of energy storage and harvesting devices.