Bioanalytical Applications of Advanced Optical Spectroscopies

Abstract

The lectures and associated practical exercises aim to introduce modern analytical methods, mainly based on optical spectroscopies and lasers, with applications to the biosciences including biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology and biomaterials, with many practical applications, including practicals.

Objective

This module aims to A1 Explain the physical and chemical principles of modern analytical techniques and how to choose which is most suitable for a given situation, and further develop skills of data analysis; A2 Provide practical exercises to deepen the understanding of concepts; A3 Give an opportunity for students to design and carry out experiments.

Content

Brief introduction into 'hyphenated' chromatography (GC-MS, LC-MS) with applications for analysis of pesticides in food and blood alcohol content; Laser Raman spectroscopic techniques in the gas and liquid phase with applications to analyse metabolites of bacterial metabolism; Photoacoustic Spectroscopy to detect components in the gas phase and in situ glucose levels in the blood through the skin; Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to analyse biomaterials, the homogeneity of pharmaceutical pills, and soil analysis; Fourier-tansfrom Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the gas phase with long-path absorption cells to analse the headspace above bacterial solutions, and with Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) attachments to analyse liquid solutions and solids. Practical exercises include 'how to build your own Raman and Fluorescence spectrometer', microprocessor programming (Arduino), 3D printing and design of simple electronic circuits, and simple Pythom programming (aided by AI).

Resources