Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier (2017-2018 à 2018-2019).

Fast chemical analysis is in increasing demand in many fields. To reduce costs and deliver results promptly tox000D
patients, environmental and food safety agencies, analytical chemists rely on high-throughput technologies.x000D
Phytronix Technologies (Quebec, QC) is a World leader in high-throughput analysis by tandem massx000D
spectrometry. The company wishes to expand the market of its flagship product, the LDTD source, byx000D
increasing the number of small organic molecules that can be detected with it. The company has worked forx000D
years in the development of diverse approaches to improve sensitivity using the LDTD source. Phytronix doesx000D
not have the human resources and time to work on systematic studies. Thanks to a previous Engage grant, wex000D
worked with Phytronix to develop an analytical method for the screening of environmental contaminants. Also,x000D
we successfully identified a new sample plate coating to improve the sensitivity of small molecules. We wantx000D
to explore other surface coatings and try different fast derivatization procedures for small organic molecules ofx000D
interest for Phytronix. Here we propose a 6-month project in which we will aim to: i) study the effect ofx000D
coatings composed of biopolymers (proteins) that may improve sensitivity for problematic compounds inx000D
LDTD such as organic acids and amines; and ii) develop an alternative approach to improve thermal desorptionx000D
and ionization of some small organic molecules by chemical derivatization. It is expected that our studies willx000D
yield more information on optimal sample plate coatings and derivatization conditions that will widen thex000D
number of compounds detectable by LDTD-MS/MS. We will work closely with R&D staff in order tox000D
maximize technology transfer and results that will be useful for Phytronix Technologies products and clientsx000D
and we will use Phytronix's laboratory. Given the importance in Canada of chemical analysis in public health,x000D
conservation of the environment and protection of consumers, all Canadians will benefit of more efficientx000D
high-throughput technologies such as LDTD-MS/MS. Additionally, our work will give Phytronix thex000D
opportunity to expand to new markets and create new jobs in Canada.