Funding for cutting-edge equipment at Algoma U

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT MP TERRY SHEEHAN
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Today, MP Terry Sheehan announced a Canadian Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund investment of $59,281 which is being used to purchase a phosphorimager.

This cutting-edge piece of equipment detects chemical intermediates during the biosynthesis of natural lipid polymers made by plants. This important piece of equipment will enhance the already excellent scientific research at Algoma University. 

Earlier this year MP Sheehan was proud to announce that Dr. Isabel Molina had been named Canada Research Chair Tier II in Plant Lipid Metabolism at Algoma University and that she had been awarded $500,000 from the Government of Canada to support her innovative work. This funding allows Dr. Molina to staff her research lab at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie.

Dr. Molina uses a combination of state-of-the-art molecular genetic and chemical analytical approaches to address complex questions on the biosynthesis and structure of plant lipid polymers that occur outside the cells on plant surfaces.

Those lipids, which are functionally comparable to the skin of animals, protect plants against dehydration, high salinity and pathogen attack. Extracellular lipids are composed of renewable hydrocarbons chemically suitable for replacement of petroleum products, and the tissues that produce them contain enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of oxygenated fatty acids, which are used for the industrial production of cosmetics and lubricants.

The equipment requested, along with infrastructure previously funded by CFI, will enable researchers to find innovative strategies to improve crop drought tolerance, to develop carbon-neutral substitutes to fossil fuel-based resources, and to uncover the biosynthetic machineries required to engineer plants or microorganisms that accumulate the building blocks for industrial production of complex chemicals.

“The Government of Canada values the role that scientists play in contributing to the discoveries and innovations that lead to a strong economy, sustainable environment and vibrant middle class. By investing in science we create opportunities for business innovations, economic development and good jobs.” 

-- Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

“Algoma University is very grateful for this funding, which will benefit our community's competitiveness in environmental sustainability and cutting-edge research and innovation.”

-- Dr. Pedro M. Antunes, Professor and Executive Research Lead, Algoma University

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