Project Info

What Secrets Do Biological Particles Hold?

Lipoproteins, exosomes, outer membrane vesicles and extracellular vesicles are examples of biological particles with potentially large impacts in human health and surprisingly, sustainability. Lipoproteins are being researched as a source of biomarkers that can be used to diagnose heart and kidney disease. Exosomes have recently emerged as an important player in cell signaling. Outer member vesicles are currently hypothesized as having an enhanced ability to catalyze the breakdown of lignin. The study of these biological species is significantly hampered by the lack of analytical techniques that allow correlation of physicochemical properties (e.g., size, surface charge, composition, etc.) and their biological activity.
Possible projects in my group include developing analytical techniques and investigating the role of outer membrane vesicles for lignin breakdown and lipoproteins analysis for kidney disease.
Our Laboratory for Advanced Separations Science and Technology (LAST) is uniquely suited to study biological particles. We are a leader and innovator in field-flow fractionation (FFF), which has become an increasingly important tool for researchers with bioanalytical challenges. The FFF family of instruments is well-suited for analytes that frustrate traditional chromatography methods and the open channel design simplifies data interpretation. The use of FFF, online light scattering, and microscopy allow us to fully characterize biological particles.

For more information:
1) M. Toyofuku, N. Nomura, L. Eber, Types and origins of bacterial membrane vesicles, Nature Reviews Microbiology, 17, 13-24 (2019).
2) S. K. R. Williams, J. R. Runyon, A. A. Ashames, Field-Flow Fractionation: Addressing the Nano Challenge. Anal. Chem. 83, 634–642, 2011.
3) H. Zhang, D. Lyden, “Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation technology for exomere and small extracellular vesicle separation and characterization”, Nat. Protoc., Apr, 14(4),1027-1053 (2019).
4) C. R. M. Bria, F. Afshinnia, P. W. Skelly, T. M. Rajendiran, P. Kayampilly, T. P. Thomas, V. P. Andreev, S. Pennathur, S. K. R. Williams, “Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation for Improved Characterization of Human Plasma Lipoproteins”, Anal. Bioanal. Chem., 411, 777–786 (2019).

Grand Challenge: Advance health informatics

Student Preparation

Qualifications

Sophomore/Junior that is interested in research, self-motivated, and has a willingness to learn. Strong aptitude towards chemistry and analytical instrumentation, good problem solver, a ‘builder’ (understand the mechanics of instrumentation).

Time Commitment

30-40 hours/month, flexible

Skills/Techniques Gained

• Fundamental understanding of analytical methods and when to use what?
•Enhanced problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Field-flow fractionation (FFF)
• Light scattering methods
• Other separation and characterization techniques

Mentoring Plan

The student will have regularly scheduled meetings with the faculty and graduate student mentor to discuss research plans and results. The student will also have the opportunity to present research papers and results at group meetings. The graduate student mentor will work closely with the student