Chemical kinetics and analytical chemistry subproject
Subproject leader: Dr. József Kalmár
I. Structure of the subproject
1. Environmental reaction mechanisms WG
group leader: Prof. Dr. István Fábián (http://inorg.unideb.hu/oktatok/10)
2. Surface chemistry WG
Dr. József Kalmár (http://inorg.unideb.hu/oktatok/99)
3. Bioanalysis WG
Dr. Attila Gáspár (http://inorg.unideb.hu/oktatok/1)
4. Environmental analytical chemistry WG
Dr. Edina Baranyai (http://inorg.unideb.hu/oktatok/67)
II. Scientific goals
- Mechanisms of environmentally relevant chemical reactions
The formation and subsequent transformations of key reaction intermediates will be studied by fast kinetic methods (stopped-flow, quenched stopped-flow, sequential stopped-flow, flash photolysis). Slower reactions will be investigated by using the fundamental methodology of chemical kinetics.
- Biomedical and catalytic applications of hybrid and functionalized aerogels
Silica based hybrid and purely biomaterial (gelatin, alginate, starch) based aerogels of various structures will be prepared and tested in environmental chemical and biomedical applications.
- Analytical measurements (capillary electrophoresis, atomic spectroscopy)
Our purpose is to solve the emerging analytical tasks related to the project: capillary electrophoresis incorporates high separation efficiency, rapid analysis, low sample and reagent requirement, and the possibility to analyze polar and non-polar compounds. The use of modern atomic spectrometric techniques enables high sensitivity analysis even from low sample volumes.
- Development and application of microfluidic chips
The aim of microfluidic research related to analytical chemistry is to design and fabricate microfluidic chips (lab-on-a-chips) which integrate several laboratory techniques into a small device using micro- and nanofabrication. We will study the possibility of separation and isotachophoretic stacking of bacterial cells within a microfluidic device.
- Pre-treatment and analysis of samples in high complexity matrices
The main goal of the research is to develop such methods for the pre-treatment and analysis of various samples originating from the main fields of elemental analysis (environmental chemistry, food and pharmaceutical industry) that help to reveal matrix effects and reduce their contribution to experimental error.
III. Expected results
- Mechanisms of environmentally relevant chemical reactions
Understanding the intimate details of relevant chemical reactions leads to cost efficient industrial applications and technologies. The results can be applied for the development of novel water treatment technologies and advanced oxidation processes.
- Biomedical and catalytic applications of hybrid and functionalized aerogels
The results can lead to the development of tunable drug delivery devices, wound regenerating matrices, biocompatible structural materials. Efficient environmental adsorbents and applied catalysts are also expected to emerge.
- Analytical measurements (capillary electrophoresis, atomic spectroscopy)
Development, validation and application of electrophoretic methods (CZE, MEKC, CGE, CITP) to the analysis of environmental, biological and pharmaceutical samples. Determination and study of proteins using peptide mapping and mass spectrometry measurements. Biomarker analysis from clinical samples. The pre-treatment and complex elemental analysis (FAAS, GFAAS, ICP-OES, MP-AES) of environmental samples, food products and pharmaceutical products.
- Development and application of microfluidic chips
Design and fabrication of PDMS microfluidic chips with new channel patterns to perform sample preparation and separation tasks. Development of microfluidic enzymatic reactors. Coupling of microfluidic chips to atomic spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Application of the developed microfluidic chips to the analysis of pharmaceutical, clinical and environmental sample.
- Pre-treatment and analysis of samples in high complexity matrices
The development of elemental analytical methods focusing on involved sample matrices such as mineral and engineering oils, fats, electrolyte baths, pharmaceutical products and organic soil extracts.
IV. Infrastructure
Instruments to be purchased within the framework of the project:
- Stopped-flow spectrophotometer
The common characteristic of the redox reactions of interest is the presence of reactive intermediates which form and react in rapid reaction steps. In several cases these processes take place under a few seconds, or even less. The new stopped-flow spectrophotometer is capable to follow reactions with half-lives of milliseconds. The instrument can be used in sequential mode where reactive intermediates can be produced and their subsequent reactions studied. This mode can be also used for kinetic studies utilizing the chemical quenching of reactions. The stopped-flow instrument is also capable of detecting time-resolved fluorescence signals.
- Dual-channel ion chromatograph (IC)
The planned research demands the quantitative analysis of several ionic samples. For instance, the concentration change of strong oxidizing agents and their inorganic products are planned to be followed by ion chromatography in environmentally relevant reactions. An exceptionally challenging task is the parallel analysis of those components which are present in concentrations different with magnitudes. The new, modular built ion chromatograph is flexible, but enables the robust analysis of involving samples. The instrument is capable of analyzing both anions and cations, and using gradient elution which is exceptionally important for the separation of chemically similar components.
- UV light source
A strong light source with adequate spectral characteristics is indispensable for studying the kinetics and mechanism of reactions in the planned photochemical research projects. The instrument will enable the investigation of both homogeneous and heterogeneous photochemical or photocatalytic reactions. Besides the kinetic studies, the instrument is capable of the preparative scale generation of photo-products, which enables not only the spectrophotometric analysis of reactions, but the use of mass spectrometry, NMR and liquid chromatography. With these options, new directions can be opened in environmental chemical research integrated into the project.
- LED induced fluorescent spectrometer
Detection in capillary electrophoresis is generally carried out by on-column UV absorption measurement. However, due to the small capillary diameter (25 µm-75 µm), the limit of detection values fall short compared to other separation techniques. The lowest limit of detection can be attained via LED induced fluorescent detection (e.g. 10–13 mol/dm3). The discovery of potential biomarkers is of great importance in modern medicine and pharmacy. Their analysis is challenging, as they are produced and present in the human body in extremely low concentrations. Therefore sensitive detection is important. Besides, the role of capillary electrophoresis with LED-IF detection is inevitable in the analysis of nucleic acids, proteins and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
