CALGARY – A $1.5 million research chair in plant biotechnology has been established at the University of Calgary.
With support from DowElanco and the nationally funded Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the chair will be filled by biologist Maurice Moloney.
Through genetic engineering, Moloney has discovered several new and lower-cost methods of deriving high-value proteins and enzymes from oilseeds.
The proteins can be used in the manufacture of anticoagulants and to stimulate interferon production, a naturally occurring antibody which fights cancer.
Enzymes that trigger biochemical reactions can be manufactured from canola rather than from the more costly fermentation process, said Moloney.
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Enzymes derived from canola can be used in food production or act as one of the components in breaking down wood into pulp.
Moloney works with a team of 25 which will double in size with this infusion of money. He hopes with such commercial support more bioengineers can be lured to the university to spur research.
DowElanco president John Oliver said linking the academic community with private industry may be the only way some universities can afford to do leading-edge research.
“We believe this science has the potential to increase the value of Canadian oilseed crops and allow for the development of new commercial ventures in Western Canada,” he said.
