The capabilities of Trent University's Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre will be greatly enhanced by today's decision by the Board of Governors to approve a request to purchase a unit that can provide high throughput rapid DNA sequencing and DNA profiling.

In essence, the purchase of the MegaBACE 96 capillary DNA sequencer will allow researchers to simultaneously sequence or profile DNA from 96 samples in a few hours.

The unit will be integrated with the robotic platforms of the Centre and can also be adapted to new emerging genomic technologies.

The supplier of the equipment, Amersham Biosciences has agreed to make Trent's DNA and Forensic Centre a reference laboratory for the proposed MegaBACE sequencer. This partnership will showcase Trent as a leader in this genomic technology and provide consumables at reduced cost.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has committed $350,000 to the project with matching funds provided by an Ontario Innovation Trust (OIT) Distinguished Research grant provided to Dr. Brad N. White, Research Chair at Trent. Maxxam Analytics provided private sector support for the project. Trent has already received $315,000 from CFI and $315,000 from OIT.

The Trent DNA and Forensic Centre specializes in automated high throughput DNA extraction, amplification sequencing and profiling of a broad range of species. Earlier grants from the CFI, OIT and private sector support established the Centre and equipped it with its initial automated DNA sequencer and two CRS Robotics automated platforms.