New high-tech equipment at UPEI

The University of Prince Edward Island is getting some new equipment to carry out more advanced testing and research.

The university will purchase a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, thanks to a $412,000 grant from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). UPEI is also receiving an additional $209,000 grant to purchase a liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry system for use at the diagnostic services at the Atlantic Veterinary College.

This equipment will better position academic and industry researchers to obtain specific data that will help in the development stages of creating health products and carry out specialized testing for potentially harmful toxins in aquatic and mammalian species as well as environmental samples.

“This exciting new equipment will advance our work in natural products chemistry analytics,” said Russell Kerr, Canada research chair in marine natural products at UPEI.

“Researchers and companies in the bioscience sector will be able to more effectively understand the characteristics of compounds and molecules that are being developed and brought to market in natural health products.”

Greg Keefe, dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College, said the new diagnostic equipment the ATC is receiving will offer its clients advanced analytical toxicology testing that has not been available in the past

“This equipment will allow us to detect minute amounts of substances such as pesticides, toxins and antibiotics in aquatic animals and other species.”