A high sensitivity fluorescence spectrophotometer for advanced characterization of nanomaterials, biomaterials, and biocolloids

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We are requesting a high sensitivity fluorescence spectrophotometer with the capability to quantify and characterize a wide range of particles, biocolloids, and molecules (e.g., nanoplastics, metals, carbon dots, bacteria, viruses, proteins) in many different types of media (e.g., freshwaters, soil porewaters, buffers, culture media, 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, biomaterials, drug delivery, materials for energy harvesting and storage, and pathogen detection. This state-of-the-art system offers the world's highest guaranteed sensitivity specification and will support the active research programs of 3 co-applicants in the Departments of Chemical and Materials Engineering and Chemistry at McGill and several other users in Engineering and Science at McGill and elsewhere in Quebec. Additional major advantages of this system are the minimization of the influence of sample contaminants, non-destructive analysis, ultra-low sample volume measurement capability, multiple analysis modes including absorbance, chemiluminescence and bioluminescence. The addition of the high sensitivity spectrophotometer to our existing suite of materials characterisation tools ensures a unique and state-of-the-art environment where at least 27 students will have the opportunity for immediate hands-on training in characterization of fluorescent materials and conduct of biological assays. 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 for treatment and diagnosis of diseases, mitigate the spread of harmful pathogens and transform the efficiency of energy storage and harvesting devices.