Advanced imaging system and image/pattern analyses software for applications in studies of biological and engineered systems

This bundled request for an imaging system, and state-of-the art image and pattern analyses software package (BioNumerics Version 7.1) is part of a long term plan to build our food science, bio-process and environmental engineering and applied microbiology research capability in the Faculty of Engineering at Dalhousie University. The research tools will enable us to (a) document DNA, RNA, proteins, peptides, bioactives and lipids in gels, blots and plates (Imaging System) and (b) analyze the patterns, sizes, similarities, relationships between environmental and technical factors, microbial diversity, bioactive yields, lipid profiles, etc., using advanced software (Imaging and Pattern Analyses Software). Acquisition of the research tools is essential for our ability to carry out fundamental and applied projects in the area of food and water quality and safety, microbial contaminant transport and source tracking, ecology, bioremediation, development of nutraceuticals and processes for production of value-added biochemicals from waste streams. Examples of equipment/software uses include analyses of the similarity of Escherichia coli strains isolated from cows, soils, water and produce, microbial dynamics during bioremediation of domestic and mining wastewaters, diversity of antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater, lipids as biomarkers in marine food webs, relationship between enzymatic digestion and yields of bioactive compounds, and so on.The equipment will sustain natural science and engineering research that benefits the health of Canadians, protects the environment, helps the food and drinking water industry and supports innovative bioremediation technologies and development of new value-added bioproducts.