Innovative Projects Realized

Process optimization for extraction of compounds from natural sources

The proposed research project aims to optimize the conditions for Carbon dioxide eXpanded Liquid Extraction (CXLE) which uses liquefied Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and ethanol as co-solvents for extraction of compounds from natural sources. Design alterations will be implemented to a Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) unit at the partner organization (BioFoodTech) to perform CXLE and further increase the extraction amount as well as extraction rate. The effects of extraction conditions including temperature, pressure and molar fraction of co-solvents on the extraction process will be investigated for different compounds with varying polarities. The extraction efficiency will be then compared to the efficiency of other extraction methods including SFE and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). The development of the proposed extraction system will enable BioFoodTech to provide better service to a wider range of companies and clients which will result in the faster economic growth of the natural product sector in PEI and Canada.

Feasibility of a pressure retarded osmosis process for Quebec electricity generation – Year two

Osmotic power or salinity gradient energy is one type of the renewable energies which is produced by fresh and salt water. This new environmental friendly energy based on the advantages such as carbon dioxide free and generating power continuously in all weather conditions seems to be a good option in which to invest. Therefore, investigation and research on osmotic energy and the technologies that generate it will be highly beneficial to Quebec. This project looks to develop expertise related to osmotic power. A pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) power test unit will be designed and installed in Quebec. This will be the first osmotic power system in North America. TO BE CONT’D

Feasibility of a pressure retarded osmosis process for Quebec electricity generation

Osmotic power or salinity gradient energy is one type of the renewable energies which is produced by fresh and salt water. This new environmental friendly energy based on the advantages such as carbon dioxide free and generating power continuously in all weather conditions seems to be a good option in which to invest. Therefore, investigation and research on osmotic energy and the technologies that generate it will be highly beneficial to Quebec. This project looks to develop expertise related to osmotic power. A pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) power test unit will be designed and installed in Quebec. This will be the first osmotic power system in North America. TO BE CONT’D

STUDY OF INDIAN AND UKRAINIAN LEGAL FRAMEWORKS REGULATING BIOFERTILIZERS AND BIOCONTROL AGENTS IN REFERENCE TO CANADIAN MICROBIAL PRODUCTS

Unsustainable application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has steadily declined food productivity the world over. Hence, agricultural practices need to evolve to sustainably meet the growing global demand for food without irreversibly damaging the world’s natural resources. Biofertilizers and biopesticides hold the potential to maintain agricultural productivity, while safeguarding agroecosystems and microclimates. While development/consumption of biofertilizers and biopesticides is at a record high in Canada, US, EU, Australia, Brazil and others, India and Ukraine have shown slow growth. The major challenges revolve around inadequate legislation, inadequate capacity and weak implementation of policies related to biofertilizers and biopesticides. In these countries, biofertilizers and biopesticides are still largely regulated by a legal frameworks originally designed for chemical fertilizers/pesticides. This has created market entry barriers by imposing burdensome costs on the biofertilizer/biopesticide industry. TO BE CONT’D

STUDY OF INDIAN AND UKRAINIAN LEGAL FRAMEWORKS REGULATING BIOFERTILIZERS AND BIOCONTROL AGENTS IN REFERENCE TO CANADIAN MICROBIAL PRODUCTS – Year two

This research aims at primarily analysing the legal frameworks regulating biofertilizers and biopesticides (also known as ‘biologicals’) in India and Ukraine. After studying and analysing the legal frameworks, and barriers in registration procedures for R&D, trial, transfer, trade, transport and storage of new molecules and microbial strains of agro-biologicals, a draft of alternative regulations will be suggested for biofertilizers and biocontrol agents being imported or manufactured in India and Ukraine. Simultaneously, under this research project, assessment of the effectiveness of biofertilizer/ biopesticide quality monitoring systems adopted by manufacturers, regulatory agencies and user farmers under given regulations and standards is to be done in both India and Ukraine.

Characterization of the diversity, genetics and genomics of common scab causing Streptomyces spp. in eastern Canada

Common scab is a world-wide potato disease that is responsible for important economic losses. The control of the disease is difficult and soil fumigation is often the only approach available. In Atlantic Canada, crop losses associated with common scab are economically important and the disease has been progressing in severity. Therefore, Dr. Filion, in association with Cavendish Farms, is working on the characterization of the diversity, genetics and genomics of Streptomyces spp. causing common scab of potato. This characterization is essential to identify the most prevalent strains of Streptomyces spp. displaying high virulence, to characterize the genetic determinants responsible for it and to develop reliable diagnostics tools allowing the detection and quantification of these strains under field conditions. Atlantic Canada has the potential to become a worldwide leader in this field of research.

Development of protein powder suspensions in biocompatible non-aqueous liquids

There is no memorandum project overview associated with this application.

Multi-objective Topology Optimization of an Automotive Cradle

A cradle is a separate structure from automotive chassis, which is used to support the powertrain and

suspension system. With the application of cradle structure, the noise and vibration transmitted to

passengers will be reduced and the stiffness of attachments will be increased. In other words, the riding

comfort and the product reliability are improved. The research project is to design and optimize an

automotive cradle considering five dominant performance requirements: local static stiffness,

crashworthiness, NVH, durability and weight. Multi-objective optimization method will be used to

find the optimum designs and their trade-offs. Topology optimization will be introduced into the early

design phase to determine the material distribution, which could depend less on experience and give an

objective and effective preliminary structure. Size optimization will then be implemented to determine

the thickness of the cradle sections in a detailed design phase. By using this advanced optimization, the

design period would be shortened, experience-dependency would be decreased, and the cost …

Development of miniature fluorescence microscope with optogenetically synchronized patterned illumination – Year two

We propose development of miniature fluorescent microscope with flexible spatiotemporal photostimulation patterns of ensembles of neurons in freely behaving animals.For precision and targeted photostimulation of light-activated proteins (opsins), the light beam from high power incoherent light source will be shaped by user-controlled digital micromirror device (DMD). The light patterns formed by DMD will be sent via fiber bundle to miniature imaging system that can be implanted on the head of the animal. This will allow studying in real time the cellular and physiological mechanisms and the functional implication of different systems of the brain without restricting the free movements of animal.
By further deepening its expertise in miniature microscopy, optogenetic tools and high power light sources, Doric Lenses will strengthen its positions as one of the leading developers and suppliers of microscopy solutions for life sciences. TO BE CONT’D

Development of miniature fluorescence microscope with optogenetically synchronized patterned illumination

Myriad of complex interactions from molecular to system level underlie the functioning of the brain, and their thorough understanding is crucial for ultimate experimental goals of neuroscience. Recent breakthroughs in optogenetics allow controling the activity of small groups and even single neurons while recording their responses with minimal effect on natural biological processes. Currently though, the optogenetically synchronized fluorescence microscopes are either bulky and thus limitedly applicable for in vivo studies or lack selective cell targeting. We propose development of miniature fluorescent microscope with flexible spatiotemporal photostimulation patterns of ensembles of neurons in freely behaving animals. The two main components of the proposed system are a fiber-coupled patterned illumination system with fluorescence excitation and miniature head-mountable imaging system. For precision and targeted photostimulation of light-activated proteins (opsins), the light beam from high power incoherent light source will be shaped by user-controlled digital micromirror device (DMD). TO BE CONT’D

Multi-species sustainable fisheries management using scientific and traditional ecological methods – Year two

I am conducting a multi-species fish population monitoring project in Quebec’s largest lake (Mistassini), to facilitate community-based fisheries management with the Cree Nation of Mistissini. Mistassini is home to recreational fisheries for walleye, lake trout, brook trout and pike. With a 31% increase in the regional human population since 2001 and increasing fishing pressure, effective monitoring of Mistassini’s harvested fish populations is essential. Life history and genomics attributes will be used to assess changes over time in length and weight, population structure, effective population size and whether or not there are any signatures of selection at the genetic level for walleye and brook trout, what the management units should be for pike, and whether or not fine-resolution genetic techniques can better resolve the stock structure of lake trout. Temporal genomic surveys will be complemented with surveys of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of local Cree fishers. TO BE CONT’D

Multi-species sustainable fisheries management using scientific and traditional ecological methods

I propose a multi-species fish population monitoring project in Quebec’s largest lake (Mistassini), to facilitate community-based fisheries management. Mistassini is home to recreational fisheries for walleye, lake trout, brook trout and pike. With a 31% increase in the regional human population since 2001 and increasing fishing pressure, effective monitoring of Mistassini’s harvested fish populations is essential. Life history and genomics attributes will be compared to assess changes in length and weight, population structure, effective population size and outlier loci, for all four species. Historical life history information and tissue samples for DNA surveys are available for three of four species. Contemporary samples are already available for brook trout, and will be collected for lake trout and pike. Analysis is already in progress for walleye, and thus contemporary walleye sampling is solely for phenotypic measurements (length and weight) for population monitoring. TO BE CONT’D