Exploring Analytical Science

In this episode, as the final episode of the series, we did a deeper dive into the the role of technological and digital advances in analytical instrumentation and how these developments made possible to move science forward. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. DE44320.2799189815

As interest in oligonucleotide therapeutics increases, there is an ever-growing need for analytical techniques that can properly analyse and quantitate these complex biomolecules. Mass spectrometry (MS) is required to analyse impurities, degradants, and other biological/chemical modifications and is the method of choice for the analysis of synthetic oligonucleotides. Sixfold Bioscience, in collaboration with the National Measurement Laboratory (NML) have been using the Agilent AdvancedBio 6545XT LC/Q-TOF to develop a method to analyse complex oligonucleotides of various lengths with volatile ion pair reagents. This method is used for quality control of oligonucleotides that are subsequently assembled into Mergos™ for use in in vivo applications. In addition to the analytical capabilities currently being utilised by Sixfold, the Agilent 1290 Infinity II Preparative system is also being used for oligonucleotide purification. Both reverse-phase (C18) and anion-exchange (IEX) chromatography is regularly carried out to assist in Sixfold's purification workflow. As a result of this work, and as an extension to the work currently being carried out by the Tate group at Imperial College, a Metabolomics group is in the process of being formed at the Molecular Sciences Research Hub. This group will aim to solve challenges related to the analysis of biomolecules and will take advantage of the combined know-how and expertise of scientists at Imperial College, Sixfold Bioscience and Agilent. Dr James Rushworth, Research Associate at Sixfold Bioscience. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. DE44320.2788078704

Drugs of abuse have a detrimental effect on both society and the individual. Cutting agents are often added to drugs of abuse for a variety of reasons such as increasing the effect of the drug; this can enhance the user's response but can also seriously increase health risks. Contaminants can be introduced to drugs of abuse unintentionally, for example, metal contamination from synthesis apparatus and/or experimental procedures, leaching of materials from storage (containers and 'laboratory' environment) and biological microorganisms. Cutting agents and contaminants are of extreme importance in determining routes of distribution and relationships between drug batches. Dr Trevor Ferris, Manager of the Agilent Measurement Suite, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London. For Forensics Use. RA44295.4940509259

Gold nanoparticles are becoming a promising platform for the delivery of drugs in the treatment of Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative Stress has been considered as key modulator in Neurodegenerative diseases and the mitochondria, highly involved in the production of oxidant species, play a role in the etiology of the diseases. This project explores the opposite roles of gold nanoparticles to generate either physiological (beneficial) or pathological alterations on the cells depending on the active molecules attached on the surfaces of the nanoparticles. An antioxidant drug delivery nanoconjugate system - lipoic acid capped gold nanoparticle was synthesized based on the antioxidant lipoic acid, which was then applied against the Oxidative Stress caused by the aggregates of α-synuclein protein, a protein implicated in Parkinson's disease. The α-synuclein aggregation promoted by the gold nanoparticles enabled the self-assembly of toxic α-synuclein aggregates, which were responsible for increased level of Reactive Oxygen Species and consequently Oxidative Stress on the cells. Miss Maria Elena Piersimoni, PhD candidate at Imperial College London, currently also a Senior Scientist at PFIZER & UK. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. DE44320.2498032407

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of child death under 5, world-wide. Despite the long-lasting effects on both the child and their family and the existence of a variety of treatment options for expectant mothers at risk of preterm labour, no screening tools exist on the market for population-wide risk stratification. This project aims to develop a point-of-care (POC) predictive tool to identify women at risk of PTB at the 12th week of pregnancy by detecting cell-free nucleic acid biomarkers (so-called microRNAs or miRs) from the mother's blood. This will be done through engineering functionalised Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) probes for multiplexed microRNA sensing through oligonucleotide templated reactions and their incorporation into paper-based lateral flow assays (LFAs) for use at the POC. Loukia Petrou. Loukia is a medical student taking time out for her PhD as part of her MBBS/PhD and is now in her second year of the PhD'. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. RA44292.6547685185

Numerous cheeses have a certain uniqueness that is directly influenced by the unique culture and environment of the region in which they are produced. Different regions use a variety of cheesemaking techniques which are often unique to the area and have been developed over time in a direct response to new and emerging technologies, and constant changes in consumer demand. Although cheeses will often be sold on the market as the same variant, for example mild cheddar, there can be significant variations in the characteristics of the cheese itself. These can include colour, aroma, texture, flavour, firmness, presence of mould, and gas holes. The cheese quality can also vary widely. Dr. Lisa D. Haigh, Mass Spectrometry Manager, Small Molecule Core Facility, Department of Chemistry. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. DE44320.2456365741

Listen to the key players involved in the Agilent Mesurement Suite (AMS) partnership at Imperial College London. Discover how the AMS came about, what it is used for and why it is so important for the future of analytical science. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. DE44320.2742476852