Commercial Applications
Environmental
Pharmaceutical
Life Sciences
Materials
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Synchrotron light is an invaluable resource in many studies related to the environment, and is used to analyze contaminants in order to understand their release into the surroundings, their mobility and toxicity.
Examples:
- Analyzing ore samples in greater detail to increase the accuracy of mineral exploration [Geothermal Systems]
- Analyzing ore samples for precious metals to determine if it's economical to start a new mine.
- Testing industrial sites to determine if - and where - contamination has occurred.
- Potential Toxicity of Nickel Particulates [Vale Inco: CLS Sheds Light on Nickel Chemistry]
- Determining the Fate of Contaminants [Cameco: Collaborating for the World's Uranium Future]
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A special application of synchrotron light is the ability to elucidate the structure of proteins, a technique referred to as Protein Crystallography. The speed and accuracy of synchrotron protein crystallography is vital to genomics projects as well as drug design. Research into the 3-dimensional structure of proteins facilitates the development of designer drugs with specific therapeutic activities.
Examples:
- Studying the functionality of proteins, hormones, metabolic enzymes, bacteria, viruses and genes [Understanding proteins]
- Developing 'designer' molecules for pharmaceutical drugs
- Developing new pharmaceuticals, vaccines, synthetic proteins and medicines [Decoding Proteins: Reducing the Need for Insulin]
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Several synchrotron techniques can be utilized to examine the chemical distribution of biological molecules in new seed cultivars, new processes foods or feeds, new biomaterials and within diseased or normal tissue (plants, animals and humans).
Examples:
- Bio-products (value added products from biological materials); examples include feed processing, food processing, creating fabric or board from flax, creating industrial oils from food-oil crops [New Fibre, Optim fine, from Wool]
- Biopsy analytical services; tissue biopsy analysis service for research, clinical or forensic purposes [Beethoven’s Hair]
- Bio-availability of minerals and health-related metals, in animal feeds and health foods [Applications in Agricultural Research]
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Synchrotron techniques have become increasingly important for studying the properties of metals, alloys, semi-conductors, nanomaterials, superconductors, and some non-conductors such as polymers, minerals, and the surface reactions of these materials. A wide variety of high-tech materials and devices will benefit from the high brightness and detailed chemical information provided by CLS beamlines dedicated to materials science research.
Examples:
- Creating advanced materials, such as hybrid metal alloys for jet aircraft and spacecraft
- Developing micro-sensors and micro-machines for automated drug delivery [Surface Science]
- Developing bio-films to increase the effectiveness of waste water and environmental clean-up programs
- Development of more efficient, longer lasting, and more environmentally friendly engine oils [Surface Science]
- Investigating specialty coatings such as adhesive paints, plastics, and anti-corrosive pipe linings
- Investigating the use of nanoparticles in commercial products and applications [Nanosilver as an Antibacterial Agent]
Last modified: 2012-01-19 17:01:00