Paper-based Small Molecule Detection with Mass Spectrometry
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Electrical Engineering and Electronics
Abstract
In recent years, Micro Paper Analytical Devices (uPADs) have been the subject of intense research activity, mostly for biochemical analysis but also for medical and forensic diagnostics. Currently, many paper-based devices utilise colourimetric assays as the detection technique. This inter-disciplinary PhD project proposes to develop novel paper devices that combine sampling and ionisation, from the same platform, for low cost and disposable mass spectrometric determination. Successful development of this technology should provide a method that is reliable and requires no/little sample preparation, yet providing specific information regarding the identification of specified analytes.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Simon Maher (Primary Supervisor) | |
| David Romero Perez (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509693/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1788311 | Studentship | EP/N509693/1 | 01/09/2016 | 30/11/2020 | David Romero Perez |
| Description | This PhD is still underway. Some of the key performance parameters of Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry (PS-MS), previously unexplored such as the influence of the cutting method, have been comprehensively investigated and optimised. Furthermore a new method that combines DNA aptamer based biosensors with PS-MS has been developed for cortisol detection. Initial method development was successful and the immobilisation of DNA aptamers on paper was validated by fluorescence microscopy. The aptamer sensors combined with PS-MS produced LODs and LOQs in the sub-nanogram per millilitre, which is inside the required biologically relevant concentration range. |
| Exploitation Route | It is suspected that this method can be repurposed for any desired target analyte by just modifying the sequence of the DNA aptamer. In principle, this flexibility allows for an unlimited range of applications. This could be particularly important in clinical settings. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | This PhD project is still ongoing. It is expected that this research as it develops can have significant impact in the healthcare sector. |
| Description | 4th International Mass Spectrometry School 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | 70 international postgraduate students attended to a five days long school-conference where we had the opportunity to do a quick talk presenting our research and to expand our network of fellow students and researchers in the area. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://4th-imss-2019.es/ |
| Description | Research from this PhD has been presented at 3x national (UK) and 1x international (USA) conferences. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | These were posters presentations related to the research supported from this award. The audience included researchers from other universities, national and international, and industry. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |