Chemical (Bio)Analysis

'Frozen' aptamers

The on-site and highly selective detection of important target analytes such as antibiotic residues in wastewater is an open challenge. In this project, we aim to better understand and improve analytical detection systems that use aptamers for the selective recognition of molecules of interest followed by the generation of electrical signals (current, potential, resistance) upon binding. These electrochemical experiments are combined with ITC and NMR measurements (collaboration with Ghent University) to obtain a multi-analytical approach to study aptamer-target interactions. In this way, we hope to contribute to the development of more robust aptasensors. 

Reducing consumables in chemical analyses

(in collaboration with Product Development)

The amount of plastic waste in laboratories is rising year after year. The university of Exeter estimated that worldwide research labs are generating 5.5 million tonnes of lab plastic waste. Currently, most plastic lab consumables are only used once and then disposed as hazardous waste. In practice, lab researchers dispose all consumables in a single lab waste container, which is incinerated by a waste collection company. This research aims to facilitate the transition of chemical analysis towards a circular economy.

The research project is focussing on a specific type of so-called critical consumables, namely single-use lab plastics, of whom the criticality is mainly motivated by the risk of contamination. Reducing the usage of these consumables will fit in the scope of future legislation.

Particle analysis on urban green: a record of urban particulate matter pollution

As an alternative to airborne samples collected via high-volume samplers or impactors, urban green is herein used as a recorder of atmospheric particle pollution. Plant leaves and bark wood samples are examples of biological accumulation matrices of atmospheric particles, therefore studied for biomonitoring/source characterization purposes. These biological substrates are also investigated in terms of their micro-surface characteristics, such as roughness, hairiness, and presence of stomata. Species-dependency and spatiotemporal variations are also targets of our study.  

Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) allows the high-resolution examination of nano- to micrometer particles; determination of their size and shape, and estimation of their chemical content are the main outcomes of this particle-based analysis.