Application of novel Ms approaches to environmental sampling.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Institute of Integrative Biology
Abstract
The term 'molecular scatology' has normally been taken to mean the analysis of faecal DNA. Whilst this provides valuable information, there is considerable scope to extend the range of analyses, particularly to those that provide information at the phenotype level. The industrial partner, Waters Corporation (Micromass UK Ltd) are a world leading developer of advanced mass spectrometers, coupled with innovative 'front end' sources for sampling of a broad range of biological material. They are the sole supplier of the iKnife REIMS system that will be used in this programme. The student will complete part of their training at their state of the art R&D facilities in Wilmslow. The host institution and the CASE partner have already completed preliminary data that demonstrate the ease with which phenotypic data can be acquired, using a new sampling method (rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry; REIMS) that can generate complex mass spectral phenotypes from each sample in a matter of seconds, with no sample preparation being needed.
REIMS is the basis of the iKnife, a device that is based on analysis of the smoke produce by diathermy, the process whereby extreme heat is generated locally through high frequency voltages applied across a sample. The smoke that is generated has been demonstrated to have considerable chemical richness, and can be used to differentiate, for example, normal and tumour tissue. We have preliminary data that show that a REIMS-generated fingerprint can be used in multivariate analyses of rodent faecal material to differentiate groups of individuals, based on species or sex, and wish to consolidate these initial investigations using a REIMS installation in the labs of the academic partner, coupled to an advanced mass spectrometer.
REIMS is the basis of the iKnife, a device that is based on analysis of the smoke produce by diathermy, the process whereby extreme heat is generated locally through high frequency voltages applied across a sample. The smoke that is generated has been demonstrated to have considerable chemical richness, and can be used to differentiate, for example, normal and tumour tissue. We have preliminary data that show that a REIMS-generated fingerprint can be used in multivariate analyses of rodent faecal material to differentiate groups of individuals, based on species or sex, and wish to consolidate these initial investigations using a REIMS installation in the labs of the academic partner, coupled to an advanced mass spectrometer.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Robert Beynon (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Natalie Koch (Student) |
| Description | The work showed that REIMS, a new type of source for mass spectrometry can be used to distinguish between the faecal pellets of different rodent species; between male and female lab mice, between adult and juvenile lab mice and between different strains of house mice using random forests. |
| Exploitation Route | Chester Zoo has already shown interest in using this same method with some of their more endangered animals, particularly the Okapi, as this technique will allow them to extract information from faeces without having to see the animal in the wild |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Other |
| Description | Waters |
| Organisation | UK Water Industry Research Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | I did a 3 month placement with Waters, this placement included training on various types of equipment and assisiting with an ongoing project that used the same system I use but with a different biological sample (animal tissue) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Waters have contributed by assiting with the maintenance of the REIMS systems and help with using the required software. |
| Impact | doi: 10.1186/s12915-019-0686-9 |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Meet a scientist |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | It was an all day workshop organised by Farm Urban, one of the events during the day provided the opportunity for students to meet a real scientist. I volunteered as one of the scientists. Students were spit into small groups and moved around 8 different scientist for 5 minutes at a time. When a group would vist me I would give a brief summary of my work and then answer their questions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2020 |
| Description | School Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | I gave a talk to Year 9 girls about my background and my current research to help encourage them to pursue a STEM subject. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |