We have researched the use of the green solvent dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a mobile phase modifier for different forms of chromatography, such as hydrophilic liquid interaction chromatography (HILIC), normal phase liquid chromatography, and reversed phase liquid chromatography. Our lab’s recent publication demonstrates the utility of non-toxic and biodegradable DMC as a replacement for the […]
C39: Thermophobic Adjuvants for Varying Immune Response with Temperature
Modern vaccines, including some SARS-CoV-2, make use of immune-response eliciting agents called adjuvants. While these compounds are effective at stimulating immune responses, they can have varying effects on individuals who receive the vaccine. One instance of these reactions is a high fever or pyrexia leading to safety concerns and in some cases hospitalization. Here we […]
C43: Zein Nanoparticles Coated with Various Types of Tannin
Zein, a protein found in corn, can form nanoparticles that can be utilized in drug delivery systems. Condensed tannin and hydrolyzable tannin are high molecular weight plant polyphenols that interact strongly with protein, presumably by crosslinking via phenol-peptide hydrogen bonds. Adding a tannin “coat” to zein nanoparticles may protect the particles so they provide a […]
C45: Determination of Alcohols and Esters in Aqueous Solutions by Headspace Flow Injection Analysis using a Tin Oxide Electrochemical Detector
The SnO2 electrode has received wide-spread application for the headspace detection of volatile organic compounds such as ethanol. The sensor is actually an Al2O3 ceramic tube which is coated with a rough (high surface area) SnO2 layer and heated. Semiconducting oxide gas sensors of this type are based on the conductivity changes caused by the […]
A28: Do Plant Polyphenols Slow Climate Change?Total Phenolics Quantification using the Folin Assay
Wetlands are established as an extremely important part of the global carbon cycle. Despite covering only 2-3% of the land surface, wetlands store about ⅓ of global soil carbon, giving them a cooling effect on the climate. However, in recent years this effect has gradually decreased. Because of how much of the global soil carbon […]
B11: Synthesis and Conformational Analysis of Oligo-Pyrazine Foldamers
As a part of the Hartley research lab, this organic chemistry project is focused on the synthesis and structural study of pyrazine foldamers. Foldamers, which are a class of compounds that fold into an ordered state in solution, can mimic the geometries of nucleic acids and proteins. The goal of the project was to determine […]
B70: Investigation of Pyrolyzed Polydimethylsiloxane as an Adsorbent for Pb in Water
Porous materials and mediums such as activated carbon and membranes have been playing a vital role in catalyzing chemical reactions and removing notoriously harmful environmental contaminants. Given the growing population and the rising initiatives to significantly reduce pollution by 2050, the global scientific community continues to remain interested in coming up with low-cost, innovative yet […]
B71: Structure-Property Relationships in Carbon Nanotube Enhanced Dynamic Block Copolymers
Dynamic polymers are a new class of polymers known for their physical properties such as adaptability, self-healing, shape-memory, stimuli-responsiveness, and enhanced recyclability. Dynamic polymers respond to biochemical stimuli and physicochemical stimuli such as pH, light, electric field, temperature, and pressure. Dynamic properties in polymer materials can be due to either dynamic covalent bonds or non-covalent […]
C17: Normal Phase and Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography Using Dimethylcarbonate as the Mobile Phase Modifier Solvent
A growing focus in the field of green analytical chemistry has been the development of greener solvents. Thus, the idea of replacing toxic solvents used in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has become a priority. Previous work has shown that dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is a useful replacement for acetonitrile in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). […]
C39: Sustainable Agriculture Project Proposal for Clean Water
Conventional industrial farming practices have greatly reshaped the environment, and some would say for the worst. While these modern practices amass large yields, it results in even greater damage to our soil and ultimately our water. Therefore, we set out to find an alternative to these practices and, through some digging, settled on regenerative agriculture. […]