Biomolecular Structure Analysis to Accelerate Development of New Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies

Manufacturing of consistently high quality products is the commitment of pharmaceutical industry. To achieve this, new products must be thoroughly tested and the results meet government-approved product specifications. Improving existing and adopting improved analytical technologies for product testing ensure the production of safe and effective products. This is particularly critical for the manufacturing of biologic products which, relative to small molecular drugs, have a larger size, are more complex in structure and are thus more difficult to characterize.

Synthesis of functionalized pyrimidines through use of the Blaise reaction

Pyrimidines are a key and increasingly popular part of many biologically and pharmaceutically important components. This project will endeavor to develop a new and efficacious synthesis of versions of these molecules which would otherwise be difficult to produce. A key part of the revenue stream for Snieckus Innovations is the sale of molecules such as these for use as building blocks in the chemical industry – most usually in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sciences.

METAGENOMIC SEARCH FOR GLYCOSIDEPHOSPHORYLASES USING A PHOSPHATE DEPENDENT2,4-DINITROPHENYL GLYCOSIDE COLORIMETRICASSAY

Carbohydrate active enzymes are used widely in the commercial sector and in industries ranging from food processing to biofuel generation. Of these enzymes, the class known as glycoside phosphorylases has seemingly been overlooked by industry even given their noted advantages over related classes currently in use. Given the fact that a limited number of these enzymes have been identified, we think this presents a timely niche opportunity to develop a commercially available suite of these enzymes in collaboration with MetaMixis.

Mechanistic and Biochemical Studies of Glucocerebrosidase

Mutations in the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) are the most common genetic risk factor for development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is characterized by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, followed by progressive loss of neurons and behavioural symptoms. Numerous studies have noted a correlation between reduced GBA1 activity and increased levels of these abnormal protein deposits in the brain, but the relationship remains poorly understood.

Water-Safe UV Curable Antimicrobials Nanoscale coatings for Plastics

Our research is focused on finding new ways to combat the spread of Hospital acquired infections (HAI’s) in hospitals and other institutional work places. Our research combines a new non-leaching chemical nanotechnology that forms a protective barrier to difficult surfaces and kills bacteria on contact. The nanocoatings are water based and fix readily to surfaces such as plastic by exposure to low UV radiation. These transparent nanocoatings are invisible to the naked eye but act as sentinels and avoid the formation of harmful bacterial colonies

Fiber-optic monitoring of pipes and pipelines

We will develop a fiber-optical sensor system that can be applied to monitor pipelines. By recording the response of a fiber-optic transducer to ultrasound that is generated on the wall of a pipeline we can measure the flow velocity of the fluid inside the pipeline. Similar measurements are presently conducted by pipeline operators using piezo-electric transducers, but their sensitivity is not high enough to locate small leaks or pipeline deposits through a change in flow rate. In addition the ultrasound measurements will let us accurately determine the identity of the pipeline content.

Production de biocharbons par torréfaction/pyrolyse de résidus maraîchers et lignocellulosiques et, étude comparative de leurs caractéristiques pour une utilisation au sol

Un programme de recherche a été entrepris par la Chaire de Recherche Industrielle en Environnement et Biotechnologie (CRIEB) de l’UQTR, l’Université Laval et Innofibre du Cégep de Trois-Rivières en partenariat avec Airex Énergie et la division du MAPAQ en Mauricie.

Synthèse de nouveaux revêtements polymériques plus adhérents

Le développement de revêtements à deux composantes nécessite l’ajout d’autres produits couteux afin d’augmenter leur adhérence à la surface du substrat. Ce projet de recherche portera sur le développement de nouveaux revêtements qui aura une meilleure adhérence sans ajout d’autres produits. Cela permettra à SophiChem Inc. de diminuer les couts de production de ses revêtements sans compromettre leur efficacité.  De plus les utilisateurs finaux de ces produits réduiraient de beaucoup leur temps de travail.

Oscillation-based Fuel Cell Diagnostics

In this project, we propose two diagnostic tools that can identify dynamical processes in various fuel cell operating regimes, using the difference in the time constant of these processes. For example, conductive transport of electrons is faster than diffusive transport of gasses. We oscillate current and pressure at different frequencies, and measure the cell voltage. We use the amplitude ratio and phase different of these oscillations to detect dynamical processes in the fuel cells.

A comparison of the solvent extraction of betulin and betulinic acid from tree bark with a bark oil containing a complex mixture of compounds

B. W. BioEnergy Inc. produces high-quality carbon from renewable hardwood trees (birch, alder, willow and maple) in a patent-pending torrefaction process. The trees are debarked to produce the carbon which is 10-times more effective than commercial coconut carbon. Tree bark is a waste product and currently used to fuel the torrefaction process.

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