Multi interface stable isotope laboratory (MISI-lab)

Unique in the Maritime provinces, our multi interface stable isotope laboratory or MISI-lab provides information about the geographic, chemical, and biological origins of bulk samples (bulk analysis) and specific molecules (compound specific isotope analysis, CSIA). What makes this facility distinctive is the coupling of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) with rare interfaces, or peripherals, such as a gas chromatograph (GC-IRMS) and a carbon analyzer in aqueous solution (DOC/TOC-IRMS). An elemental analyzer (EA-IRMS) is the third interface. These couplings make the platform very versatile by allowing the analysis of bulk solids, liquids or aqueous solutions and of specific molecules in solid, liquid and gaseous mixtures.

The determination of stable isotope ratios can distinguish the origin of samples or molecules because different formation mechanisms, reactions, precursors or conditions generally lead to isotope enrichment. The measurement of stable isotope ratios makes it possible, among other things, to differentiate samples or molecules that otherwise have an identical composition (e.g. honey glucose vs. sugar cane glucose).

This research infrastructure is useful for a variety of fields and is available for collaborations and service contracts with academic, government and private sectors.