New polymer coated probes for swift molecular mass spectrometry analysis

Project description

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry (MS) is a high throughput analytical method best known for revolutionizing the way we identify and categorize microorganisms (aka superbugs). Yet the broad use of MALDI-TOF is hindered by technical challenges associated with tissue sample preparation which currently require specialist instrument (microtome, cryostat) and can take hours to days. The proposed multidisciplinary project focuses on the development of new biomaterial substrate for easy sampling of solid samples such as human tissues, food or plants for MALDI TOF analysis. Affinity probes with intricate surface chemistry and wettability will be created using plasma polymer deposition and tested for the classification of tuna species. This research is performed in collaboration with UniSA clinical and Health Science and is supported by the Australian Research Council.

Further information

About the supervisor: I will be joining Flinders University as a member of the College of Science and Engineering and the Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology in November 2021. My research is intrinsically cross-disciplinary, using surface science and chemistry to develop new nanotechnology for the biomedical and energy fields.  

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