Research projects
My Research Projects
(April – July 2002 @ University of Groningen, Pharmacy Department, Netherlands)
Production and characterization of Affinity Controlled Pore Glass beads for profiling of Matrix-Metallo Proteases
The goal of the project was to develop new analysis techniques which is based on activity based enrichment of biological samples containing proteases. The strategy was to bind targeted proteases to inhibitors which are immobilized to a stationary phase, leading to concentration of the targeted proteases on the stationary phase and the possibility to wash away compounds that have no interaction with the affinity ligand. Controlled Pore Glass beads were used as the stationary phase because of their porosity and high mechanical strength which makes them suitable for use in an HPLC set-up. Purified MMP-12 was used to develop and test the methodology.
Techniques used: organic synthesis-surface modifications, spectrofluorimetry, HPLC, SDS-PAGE analysis.
(October 2003 – June 2004 @ University of Łódź, Institute of Chemistry, Poland)
Voltammetric (CSV) quantitative determination of tiouracyl derivatives (MTU, PTU & BTU) in human urine
The main goal of this project was to develop a new method for quantitative determination of 6-methyl-2-thiouracil (MTU), 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) and 6-benzyl-2-thiouracil (BTU), an important thyreostatic drugs and also prohibited thyroid supplements in fodder (according to EU regulations), in human urine. The voltammetric behaviour of MTU, PTU, BTU has been studied by means of Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (CSV) at a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). Various types and pHs of buffers, accumulation potential, and preconcentration time were checked to find the best conditions. The final procedure was very competitive to other known analytical methods especially for BTU determination with the respect to its simplicity and because it utilizes only the most common chemical reagents.
Techniques used: voltammetry (LSV, CSV), potentiometry.
(June 2006 at Landeskriminalamt Polizei Berlin, Germany)
Examination of acrylic paints by means of pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS)
The aim of this short project was to study basics of the pyrolysis methods for qualitative analysis of car paints. Mainly acrylic paint systems were in the focus of the project. Conducted experiments showed the possibility of differentiation of acrylic car paints based on minor polymer components.
Technics used: Py-GC/MS, pre-column derivatization.
(October 2004 – July 2006 @ University of Łódź, Institute of Physics, Poland)
Pra-Che-Fi – a new tool for students and researchers
The aim of the project was to develop a new computer tool for students and researchers. Typical experimental laboratory work of a chemist or physicist brings situations in which it is necessary to perform certain calculations or conversions. To handle them, the packet Pra-Che-Fi has been invented. As a collection of useful tools, the packet consists of the following parts: calculators (molar mass, converting concentrations, diluting solutions, preparing solutions, boiling temperatures of liquids under lowered pressure) and the display of the measurement results in a different manner (e.g. analytical methods – calibration curve, standard addition).
Techniques used: programming in Borland C++.
(October 2004 – June 2009 at Institute of Forensic Research in Kraków, Poland)
Examination of paint traces by means of pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for forensic purposes
The aim of the research was to develop a new analytical procedure of paint analysis for forensic purposes by means of pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). An optimization of GC/MS system and pyrolysis parameters as well as the new analytical procedure and semi-quantitative procedure for comparison of pyrograms were developed. On the bases of pyrograms obtained for model polymer materials (acrylic, epoxy, alkyd, polyesters, polyamides, silicones etc.) it was possible to point out important compounds present in pyrolisate and characteristic for analysed polymers. Over 200 samples of clearcoats (acrylic), topcoats (alkyd) and primers (epoxy) of car paints were analysed. The analytical procedure was also used for analysis of spray paints on plasters. In the last step of the research the special computer programme PyCSI which allows collecting, searching and comparison of pyrograms, was developed. The obtained results were also compared with results from FT-IR and SEM/EDX analysis of paint samples.
Techniques used: Py-GC/MS, pre-column derivatization, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, chemometrics, computer program development (in Borland Delphi).
