Life Sciences Commons^™

The Atomic Force Microscope In The Elucidation Of Leukocyte Abnormality, Derbrenn O'Connor

Theses

The aim of this project was to investigate the novel use of the atomic force microscope (AFM) as a technique in the elucidation of leukocyte abnormality. To this end, comparative AFM imaging and elasticity studies were performed on normal and myeloid leukaemic leukocytes.

Initially, an evaluation of techniques for the isolation of specific leukocyte (e.g. lymphocytes, granulocytes, etc.) populations from whole blood or leukocyte concentrates, was carried out. It was found that a silanised glass surface failed to select and immobilise a leukocyte population. However, centrifugation of whole blood in an Isopaque-ficoll gradient solution yielded a viable mixed leukocyte population …

New Polyether Toxins From Shellfish And Marine Phytoplankton: Isolation Studies And Development Of Analytical Methods, Alan G. Bishop

Theses

There are three classes of polyether toxins responsible for Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) world-wide. The causative toxins are okadaic acid (OA) and derivatives (DTXs), pectenotoxins (PTXs) and yessotoxins (YTXs). The origin of these toxins are phytoplankton from Dinophysis or Prorocentrum spp. OA has been demonstrated for most outbreaks in Europe and more recently a new isomer DTX-2 has been reported in Ireland.

Marine phytoplankton biomass samples consisting predominantly of Dinophysis acuta, were acquired using a large double plankton net from waters off the South-west coast of Ireland. Analysis of unialgal samples using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence and …

Extraction And Characterisation Of Essential Oils From Waste Eucalyptus Foliage, Hugh O'Reilly

Theses

Extraction procedures such as steam distillation, solvent and soxhlet extraction have been investigated to determine the most effective method of extracting essential oil from the foliage of a number of species of Eucalyptus cultivated in Co. Kerry. Steam distillation has been found to be the most effective method of extraction. The steam distillation extraction method has been thoroughly studied in order to determine the factors affecting yield and composition of the distillate. Alteration of the distillation time has been found to produce oil high in 1,8-cineole content, a requirement of medicinal quality oil. The choice of individual distillation still used …