Analytical Chemistry Commons^™

De Novo Protein Binding To Zinc Oxide Through Biomineralization Pathways, Jean-Mark A. Francis

Theses and Dissertations

De novo proteins are structurally distinct from proteins found in nature and thus capable of having their amino acid sequence modified to accomplish tasks such as increasing protein-nanoparticle binding without unfolding or decomposing. Zinc Oxide nanoparticles are functionally distinct from their bulk counterparts and are widely used as semiconductors in a variety of fields such as medicine and agriculture. With demand for these nanoparticles increasing, environmentally sustainable methods of Zinc Oxide nanoparticle synthesis are being investigated as an eco-friendly alternative to currently utilized but environmentally hazardous chemical and physical techniques. This research investigates the binding characteristics between Zinc Oxide nanoparticles …

Absolute Quantification And Identification Of Rna From Rna-Lipid Nanoparticles Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry, Jason C. Funderburk

Theses and Dissertations

RNA therapeutics are a rising drug category with potential use for a range of conditions encompassing infectious diseases to therapies for cancer, diseases, and genetic disorders. RNA-lipid nanoparticles (RNA-LNPs) are the prominent delivery method for these therapeutics approved products include mRNA vaccines and polyneuropathy treatments. The emergency use authorizations and orphan drug status of current RNA-LNP drugs has allowed approval without finalization of the regulatory analytical procedures for quality monitoring. The objective of the study was to develop an LC-MS assay to simultaneously measure identity and concentration of two therapeutically relevant intact RNA constructs extracted from RNA-LNPs to enhance quality …

Photo And Spatial Control Of Rna Structures And Functions: Exploring Positional Effects And Photo-Responsiveness Of Azobenzene Modified Nucleotides, Jinxi Du

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

RNA molecules perform many important biological functions by forming complex three-dimensional structures stabilized by base pairing, tertiary interactions, and metal ion coordination. Because RNA function depends strongly on its structure, methods that allow reversible control of RNA conformation and activity are important for understanding RNA behavior and for potential therapeutic applications. However, achieving reversible and site-specific control of RNA structure, especially at the single-nucleotide level, remains challenging. In this dissertation, I developed and applied azobenzene-modified nucleotides as a chemical tool to enable optical and spatial control of RNA structure and function.

The first part of this dissertation focuses on establishing …

The Chemistry Of Red Lipstick: The Impact Red Lipstick Has On Society, Lilliana Weldeslassie

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Cosmetic chemistry is deeply embedded in everyday life, shaping the products people use from morning to night. Among these, red lipstick stands out as a formulation that blends complex chemistry with a cultural meaning. This thesis examines the scientific foundations of red lipstick through its chemical composition, pigment structure, toxicological history, analytical methods, and evolving sustainability practices. Historically, red lipsticks relied on high-risk ingredients such as lead, mercury, and other toxic metals, reflecting an era before chemical safety and regulatory oversight were incorporated.²¹ Modern formulations have established safer synthetic dyes, natural waxes, plant-based oils, and stabilizers created to optimize …

Nanostructured Cathode Catalysts For Aem Electrolysis: From Catalyst Design To Degradation And Hydrogen Dynamics, Yamini Kumaran

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) presents a promising pathway toward cost-effective and sustainable hydrogen production by integrating the chemical robustness of alkaline systems with the compact, zero-gap design of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. However, the widespread implementation of AEMWE is limited by the availability of highly active and durable platinum-group-metal (PGM)-free catalysts and by an incomplete understanding of their degradation behavior under realistic operating conditions.

This dissertation focuses on the development, characterization, and mechanistic investigation of nanostructured MoNi₄–MoO₂-based electrodes for efficient and stable hydrogen generation under alkaline and membrane-integrated environments. MoNi₄–MoO₂ nanorods …

Physicochemical, Pharmacognostic Standardisation And Phytochemical Analyses Of The Homoeopathic Drug Justicia Adhatoda, Bibaswan Biswas, Satish Patel, Digvijay Verma, Satyajit Maity, Shilpi Singh, Paulami Majumdar, Narasimha Kumar Gv

Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy

Background: Justicia adhatoda (J. adhatoda), also well known as Vasaka in India is a medicinal plant chiefly used to treat respiratory ailments in traditional and alternative medical systems. Objective: This study aimed to establish the physicochemical, pharmacognostic, and phytochemical standardisation parameters of the drug. The study involved the measurement of physicochemical parameters and chemical profiling of the raw drug. The chemical characteristics of the in-house mother tincture (prepared from in-house raw drug) and commercial mother tinctures available in India were also evaluated to assess the quality of commercially available mother tinctures. Materials and Methods: The present study …

Two Members Of The Editorial Board Of Journal Electrochemistry, Kai Wu Elected As An Academician Of The Chinese Academy Of Engineering And Yi Cui A Foreign Academician Of The Chinese Academy Of Sciences, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Electrochemical Characterization And Modulation Of Biological Processes, Yue-Qi Li, Wei-Hua Huang, De-Chen Jiang, Bao-Hong Liu, Bin Su, Yang Tian, Jing-Juan Xu, Ping Yu, Feng Zhao, Huang-Xian Ju, Jing-Hong Li

Journal of Electrochemistry

Electrochemical processes lie at the core of biological function, governing energy transduction, metabolic flux, and molecular signaling. Recent advances in electrochemical science now allow these processes to be probed and controlled with unprecedented spatial, temporal, and chemical resolution. In this review, we present an integrated framework that progresses from fundamental mechanisms to analytical technologies and functional modulation. We begin by outlining electron transfer pathways in mitochondrial respiration, microbial extracellular electron transfer, and DNA- and protein-based charge conduction, followed by the principles of photon-electron conversion in photosynthesis and the central role of redox equilibrium in coordinating cellular responses. We then highlight …

Journal Of Electrochemistry Officially Indexed By Leading Oa Databases Oarl And Coaj, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Feature Column Of Journal Of Electrochemistry Nominated For 2025 Top 10 Famous Columns Of Fujian Provincial Newspapers And Periodicals, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Enzyme-Free Colorimetric Sensing Of Glucose Using Silver Nanoparticles With A Green Stabilizing Agent From Capsicum Chinense Jacq Extract, Boyfannie Ivan Putra, Hermin Sulistyarti, Muhammad Mashuri Utama, Aura Ananda Haryanto, Rurini Retnowati, Mohamad Rafi, Akhmad Sabarudin

Makara Journal of Science

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant global health issue characterized by abnormal glucose levels in the human body. DM diagnostics are often based on invasive sampling from blood, which poses a potential risk of infection and tissue damage. Therefore, a non-enzymatic and non-invasive method for glucose monitoring is demanded as a simple alternative to glucose detection in urine samples. In this work, enzyme-free glucose determination is based on the formation of silver nanoparticles stabilized by Capsicum chinense Jacq extract (CCJ-AgNPs). Under alkaline conditions, glucose functions as a reducing agent for silver ions, and the extract acts as a stabilizer to …

Suitability Of Mobile Phase Recycling For Methylxanthine Quantification In Coffee Samples Using Hplc, Kaitlin O’Keeffe, Marcos Mariano, Brian Murphy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Caffeine, theobromine and theophylline fall under a drug class known as methylxanthines. These three compounds are of major interest in the food industry due to their presence in popular foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, and chocolate. As these compounds can cause physical and mental stress at high dosages, their quantification is essential to ensure product safety and quality. Here, we describe an eco-friendly HPLC method developed to quantify the amount of these analytes in coffee samples sourced across the SETU Waterford, Cork Road campus. Using an isocratic mixture of water and methanol, a mobile phase recycling approach was …

Spilling The Tea: Effects Of Uv Disinfection On Bioactive Compounds In South African Rooibos Tea, Sora Ghanem, Leah Ankiah, Yusra Ahmed

Student Scholar Symposium

This study investigated the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection on key bioactive flavonoid compounds in rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis). There is an interest in non-thermal food preservation technologies, and UV treatment offers potential advantages for beverage processing. However, concerns exist regarding possible degradation of health-promoting compounds during treatment. Rooibos tea samples were subjected to five UV exposure intensities (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mJ/cm²), and concentrations of four major flavonoids (aspalathin, orientin, vitexin, and rutin) were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Surprisingly, most flavonoids showed stability or slight concentration increases at higher UV doses. Aspalathin concentrations …

Unveiling Hidden Hazards: A Complementary Approach To Affordable Non-Destructive Heavy Metal Detection, Mario Faragalla, Gulsin Barwari, Makenzie Brinkoeter, Eimy Lozano-Fuentes, Isabelle Riera

Student Scholar Symposium

History has bestowed upon us vast treasures, with the Victorian Era offering a wealth of gifts, such as vibrant art and even secrets preserved in books of this period. However, concealed within the pigments that bring these works to life lie heavy metals. Not only do they pose significant health risks, but they can also be found within these pieces centuries later. Intrigued by the Winterthur project, Beaman librarians, Jan Cohu and Kayla Rutledge, discovered that our library housed some of these Victorian Era books. From there, the Beaman staff sent an inquiry to the chemistry department and Dr. Weinstein-Webb …

Fermented Foul Play: A Real-World Forensic Scenario To Enhance Student Engagement And Understanding Of Instrumentation And Analytical Data Analysis, Abigail Hoermann, Laci Joy Walmer, Matthew J. Goss

Student Scholar Symposium

A forensic-style investigation was introduced in an upper-level instrumental analysis course to foster collaboration and application of theoretical concepts in a laboratory setting. Students were provided with kombucha samples collected from a simulated crime scene and tasked with determining ethanol concentrations using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). By independently preparing serial dilutions, establishing calibration curves, and interpreting mass spectra, they practiced quantitative analytical techniques and engaged in evidence-based problem solving. Notably, Sample C demonstrated elevated ethanol levels (6.4% v/v), suggesting possible adulteration and deepening the forensic narrative. Through this scenario-driven format, students strengthened both their technical competencies and their ability to …

Integrating Multimodal Analysis For Chemical Detection In Victorian Bookcloth: Correlations, Advantages, And Limitations, Leila Ais, Abigail L. Hoermann, Jafer Aljorani

Student Scholar Symposium

The detection of heavy metals in Victorian textiles presents a set of unique analytical challenges that cannot be addressed through usage of a single modality. Here, we detail a novel multimodal analytical approach that integrates distinct yet complementary instrumentation: inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) offering precise quantitative elemental analysis, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) enabling rapid, affordable, and non-destructive detection, electron dispersive spectroscopy – scanning electron microscopy (EDS-SEM) mapping elemental distributions and sample topography, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealing crystalline structures. This comparative study highlights the strengths and limitations of each analytical technique, demonstrating how their combined use provides a …

Photoflow Synthesis And Characterization Of Cis- And Trans-N-Isohumulone, Gregory M. Giovine, Bradley Gallow, Trevor Smith, Bruce Hamper

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Previously published efforts by the Hamper group demonstrated the viability of photochemistry in the isomerization of n-humulone to n-isohumulone. Photochemical isomerization reactions of n-humulone performed under 400nm light over 8 hours resulted in high yields (84% reported) of largely trans-n-isohumulone (>95%). These promising results invited further examination of the photochemical process and the application of photoflow procedure. Herein we report the beginnings of a comprehensive slate of n-humulone isomerization reactions performed under iterative photoflow conditions.

Health Implications Of Heavy Metal Contamination In Commercially Available Deodorant And Antiperspirant Products Sold In Benghazi, Libya, Maysson Yaghi, Khaled Elsherif

Al-Bahir

The extensive usage of deodorants and antiperspirants raises concerns about the potential health risks posed by heavy metal content. This study quantified the levels of five heavy metals: Aluminum, Zirconium, Lead, Cadmium, and Chromium in 22 commercial products widely used in Benghazi, Libya, and assessed the associated health risks. Samples, categorized into gel, stick, and roll-on formulations, were analyzed using iCAP TQ ICP-MS. Al and Zr showed the widest concentration ranges, reflecting their intentional use as active ingredients. Al levels ranged from trace amounts (0.032 mg/kg) up to a maximum of 99.10 mg/kg, while Zr was found exclusively in gel …

Inductively Heated Platinum Electrodes, Jayamini Madumali Mudugamuwa Hewage

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents the fabrication and application of a 150 micrometer platinum microelectrode for induction heating, with a copper coil generating the electromagnetic field and the heating process controlled using pulse width modulation technique (PWM) to regulate the duty cycle of a high-frequency signal. Electrochemical characterization, including resonance frequency determination, peak-to-peak potential optimization, and scan rate variation, is conducted using a 5 mM [Ru(NH3)6]2+/3+ solution in 0.1 M KNO3 to calibrate current variations with changing duty cycles, while the temperature increase (delta T) is estimated using the Seebeck coefficient of [Ru(NH3)6]2+/3+. The study further explores the application of induction heating …

Buffer Vs. Swabs: Efficacy Of Carrier Nucleic Acids In Robotic Extractions, Shawn Cecil

Honors Projects

This study compared the efficiency of two carrier nucleic acid methods, specifically using salmon sperm DNA (spDNA), in robotic solid-phase extractions of cotton swab samples. Robotic extractions reduce processing time and workload but result in substantially lower DNA recovery than manual organic extraction. This research tested 10 µg of spDNA being added to the lysis buffer or pre-treating the swabs with it before DNA was added. Both methods showed a significant increase in recovery compared to extractions with no carrier. In the buffer extractions, recovery ranged from 69.4% to 117.5% and the swabs being pre-treated ranged from 84.2% to 125.8% …