A new bioprocessing facility at the University of Saskatchewan will allow researchers to take a closer look at plant compounds.
The goal will be to determine if they can be used to produce unique food, biofuel, drugs, vaccines, health products and new crops.
The facility officially opened last week. It contains more than $1.2 million worth of new equipment that will allow scientists to isolate, examine, concentrate and purify potentially valuable components of crops and plants grown in Saskatchewan.
Once isolated, the compounds can be examined to determine their characteristics and potential uses in processing.
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The 3,000 sq. foot facility contains machinery that can operate under extreme conditions, allowing components to be extracted under high temperatures and pressure or in the presence of highly acidic materials or strong bases.
Agriculture college dean Mary Buhr said the facility will enhance bioprocessing research already conducted at the college and expand the college’s teaching capacity.
As well, it will create spin-off businesses.
The Saskatchewan government helped fund construction of the facility.
Agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud said the facility illustrates the government’s commitment to innovation and research.
“This pilot plant will support Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry by bringing together key pieces of equipment in one spot to help researchers continue their work on bioprocessing,” he said.
Research conducted at the plant can be taken directly to industry partners for commercialization.
The pilot plant will also be able to help industry partners scale up production of newly commercialized products.
