UPLC-mediated metabolite analyses: soil to water, and microbes to mammals

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Small molecules can be found everywhere, and they can be naturally produced, or can be synthetically generated. Microorganisms use small molecules as a way of communicating and competing with each other and with other organisms. Small molecules can also serve as food sources, with more complex nutrients ultimately being broken down into their smallest constituents during digestion. Finally, small molecules can be released into the environment through industrial processes, and can have profound effects on the organisms exposed to them. UPLC or ultra performance liquid chromatography technologies allow investigators to identify, measure and quantify small molecules in diverse biological and environmental samples. ******The Elliot, Finan and Kidd labs in the Department of Biology at McMaster University are collectively working to improve the health of our soils and waters. Drs. Elliot and Finan's research programs focus on soil microbes with the potential to transform agricultural practices by reducing our reliance on harmful fertilizers (through the bacterial production of nitrogen needed for plant growth), and by reducing plant disease through biocontrol strategies (the production of molecules that can prevent the growth of pathogens). Dr. Kidd's research focuses on the effect of human activities on aquatic ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on the pollution of our rivers, lakes and oceans. Each of our research programs require the ability to analyze small molecules (environmental contaminants, nutrients, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds), and we are majorly constrained in our ability to conduct these analyses, due to the lack of readily accessible and available UPLC analytical systems. Notably, there are no UPLC systems (or even more basic HPLC systems) available for use in the whole of the Life Sciences Building/Biology Department, and the only systems available to us are heavily subscribed and are located in another building with limited access. The constant struggle associated with getting access to this equipment is adversely affecting our productivity, and is significantly slowing our research progress. The requested UPLC system will allow us to identify and quantify complex mixtures of environmental contaminants, monitor nutrient uptake and metabolism by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and purify and identify natural products made by bacteria to control the growth of other microbes. These studies have profound implications for the health of our environment, and the sustainability of our food production and sources, issues that are of the utmost importance to the health and well-being of Canadians. **