- Archive
- Training session of Agilent 6510 QToF, LCMS for ISSC Researchers - 15th September 2011Poster Awards - July 2011HPLC 2011 - June 2011 Science Foundation Ireland Site Visit - 7th June 2011 Conference on Analytical Sciences in Ireland - 21st & 22nd February 2011 LabVIEW Training - 26th January 2011Mass Spectrometry Training - 17th January 2011ISSC Book Publications - January 2011 ISSC Research makes cover story - January 2011
ISSC - News/Events Archive
Training session of Agilent 6510 QToF, LCMS for ISSC Researchers - 15th September 2011
An intensive two day training session was organised by Agilent technologies for the Irish separation science cluster (ISSC) researcher in the department of chemistry UCC on 15th September 2011. This was an important exercise for the ISSC researchers up skilling experience. LCMS is becoming an indispensable analytical chemistry tool for chemical analysis required in the pharma, agricultural, environmental sectors etc. A total of ten postgraduate and post doc within the ISSC took part in this training.
Members of the ISSC who took part in this recent training
Poster Award - July 2011
Congratulations to Dr. Ekaterina Nesterenko who won first prize at the Separation Science Asia Meeting in July. Congratulations also to Mr. David Collins who was awarded 5th place from approximately 70 posters. 
HPLC 2011 - June 2011
A number of researchers from the Irish Separation Science Cluster travelled to Budapest in June to present recent research output at the 36th International Symposium on High-Performance Liquid Phase Separations and Related Techniques (HPLC 2011). The conference (held at least once annually) is an international forum for scientific discussion of the methods of high performance liquid chromatography in its various forms, along with the complementary separation techniques such as electrophoresis, electrochromatography, field-flow fractionation, supercritical fluid chromatography and hyphenated techniques, such as LC-MS and CZE-MS. The field of microfluidics or lab-on-a-chip is also included. NCSR researchers included Dr. Damian Connolly, Dr. Ekaterina Nesterenko and Mr. David Collins. Dr. Connolly presented a poster by a student under co-supervision with Prof. Brett Paull which was voted within the top 3 % of all posters presented at the conference (of over 780). Particular congratulations go to Ms. Aine Moyna for for excellent work on this poster. Other Irish Separation Science Cluster delegates from UCC led by Prof. Jeremy Glennon included Mr. Michael Calnan, Ms. Amy Nagle, Ms. Elaine Stack, Ms. Una Barrett, Ms. Lin Zhou, Mr. Eoin Foley and Ms. Una Crowley. As a previous winner of the Czaba Horvath Young Scientist award, the recent work of Dr. Jesse Omamogho was presented orally in his absence.
(Left) Ms. Amy Nagle and (Right) Dr. Damian Connolly presenting their research at HPLC 2011
ISSC Site Visit - 7th June 2011
The Irish Separation Science Cluster (ISSC) was successful in it's mid-term review by Science Foundation Ireland. The external SFI review panel was extremely supportive of the work being undertaken within the ISSC. "Overall the panel were very impressed with the achievements reached by the cluster and noted that since its inception in 2009 the cluster has already gained international recognition. They were particularly impressed that the work to date on the development of the new bio-affinity phases has made excellent progress".
As a consequence of the significant support from the ISSC Site Visit external SFI review panel, SFI have awarded the original budget in full. As part of the review the panel looked at the work to date, future plans, organisation and industry participation/relevance to Ireland. This involved everything from one to one discussions with postgraduate students, senior researchers and industrialists. Everyone performed exceptionally and made a lasting impression. "The reviewers are impressed by the synergy between the work strands. In general, the PIs and many of the postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers are involved in projects that span multiple work strands.The team chemistry appears to be very good. The junior researchers are very enthusiastic and work well together as a team. Overall, the ISSC team's research has led to very significant scientific knowledge and intellectual property. The involvement of a very large number of industrial partners and their direct and in-kind contributions are impressive."
Finally, I would like to thanks the large number of industry partners who travelled from as far as the US to support us. The hard work and the originality and flexibility of the IP and Industry engagement model was complemented.They clearly supported the breath and depth of the industry interaction. "The economic impact to Ireland of the ISSC is already evident. The expectations are that the impact will expand as a result of the activities in Years 4 & 5. Clearly there are industrial partners that are benefiting from the ISSC's work and will continue to do so. That is the main reason that they have such substantial industrial participation and support as compared to other funded groups in Ireland. The panel believes that industrial participation will grow as long as the cluster and its work does likewise. The ISSC has done a good job with commercialization and licensing and should continue with their existing policies."
We are looking forward to building on this achievement and look forward to working with many of you in the near future.
ISSC Group members
Conference on Analytical Sciences in Ireland - 21st & 22nd February 2011
The ISSC held the 6th Annual Conference on Analytical Sciences in Ireland (CASi) on the 21st and 22nd February in the Helix at Dublin City University. CASi is Ireland’s premier meeting for young researchers in analytical science and related disciplines. Prof. Brett Paull, ISSC Director, chaired the event, which was the largest analytical science conference to be held in Ireland this year and the largest ever CASi, with over 120 delegates attending.
The conference was opened on Monday 21st with an enthralling plenary presentation from Prof. Boris Mizaikoff from Ulm University. This set the tone of the day as interesting and insightful presentations were delivered by post doctoral researchers and experts from around the country, as well as keynote presentations from Dr. Maria Magdelena Titirici from Max-Planck Institute and Dr. Eric Moore from Tyndall National Institute. The first poster session of the conference took place during day one when 35 of the 70 posters were presented.
Following the day’s presentations the inaugural CASi Analytical Science Mentorship Award was presented to Prof. Malcolm Smyth. The award acknowledges current and past supervisors who have exemplified excellence in graduate and professional teaching within the field of analytical sciences. Prof. John Costello, Associate Dean of Research (Acting) in the Faculty of Science and Health, introduced and presented the award. Dr. Tony Killard, University of the of West England, a past member of Prof. Smyth’s research group gave a moving tribute to Prof. Smyth’s mentoring efforts as a supervisor so as to enhance each student’s abilities and potential. A number of Prof. Smyth’s past group members attended the event. A conference dinner at the Regency Hotel followed, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and rounded off the first day of the event.
Prof. Duncan Graham from the University of Strathclyde more than overcame the challenge of making the first presentation on day two of the conference. A second day of exciting talks from institutions around Ireland, Scotland and further afield followed. Prof. Luisa Torsi from the University of Bari presented a plenary lecture and Dr. Dara Fitzpatrick from University College Cork and a member of the ISSC delivered the day’s keynote presentation. The second poster session took place during lunchtime, giving judges ample opportunity to make their difficult selection. The conference closed with an award ceremony where Mr. Kenneth Pierce from National University of Ireland, Maynooth, was announced the winner of the Best Presentation Award and Dr. Waleed Moujahid from Tyndall National Institute winner of the Best Poster Award.
Overall the conference was a huge success for its organisers. A photo gallery from the event can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/59866329@N06/. Congratulations to all involved.
(L-R) Prof. Brett Paull, CASi 2011 Chariperson, Prof. Malcolm Smyth recipient of the CASi Analytical Science Mentorship Award and Prof. Brian MacCraith, DCU President
LabVIEW Training - 26th January 2011
Members of the ISSC attended a graduate training module, hosted by Dr. Dermot Brabazon, an ISSC PI, that was held in the newly launched LabVIEW Academy. This module is a credited postgraduate module and is one of the first to be offered on the graduate training certificate, open to postgraduate students within DCU, and for engineering postgraduate students within the Dublin Regional Higher Educational Alliance (DrHEA). After completing this module, students have the opportunity, knowledge, and tools to attempt the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) exam. For more details on the LabView Academy please see the DCU news page.
(L-R) Dr. Dermot Brabazon, Dr. Mercedez Vazques and Aymen Ben Azuoz at the recent LabVIEW training
Mass Spectrometry Training - 17th January 2011
Allergan employees attended the DRHEA training on Mass Spectrometry, in the NCSR on 17th January. Both Mary McGrath and Derric Reape are undertaking part time postgraduate masters by research with the Irish Separation Science Cluster as part of their Industrial Post Graduate Training Programme. The training was a great success.
(L-R) Stephen Fuller, Mary McGrath, Derric Reape and Kieran O'Dwyer at the DRHEA Training
ISSC Book Publications - January 2011
Congratulations to all involved with the publication of a number of books by ISSC members in the past couple of months. Dr. Brendan O’Connor contributed a chapter to the book, Protein Chromatography—Methods and Protocols Prof. Brett Paull and Dr. Damian Connolly contributed a chapter to Monolithic Chromatography and its modern applications, while Prof. Paull and Prof. Pavel Nesterenko (a member of the ISSC) in a joint collaboration, published High performance chelation ion chromatography. Dr. Andreas Heise, edited Enzymatic Polymerisation and contributed to Biocatalysis in Polymer Chemistry.
(L-R) Dr. Brendan O'Connor, Dr. Damian Connolly, Dr. Andreas Heise and Prof. Brett Paull 
The books that ISSC members contributed to
ISSC research makes cover story - January 2011
January 2011 edition of the RSC Journal 'Analytical Methods' A recent ISSC paper by Hassan Alwael, Damian Connolly and Brett Paull,
on the liquid chromatographic profiling of monosaccharide concentrations
in complex cell-culture media and fermentation broths has been
highlighted on the cover of the first 2011 issue of the RSC Journal
'Analytical Methods'. The published work is the result of a successful
industry - academic project looking into rapid analytical technologies
for the monitoring of target analytes within biofermentation process
samples and feedstocks.
Also published within the same journal issue is the first joint
editorial between the RSC sister journals 'Analyst' and 'Analytical
Methods', entitled 'From discovery to recovery – Analyst and
Analytical Methods working together for the analytical community',
written jointly by Prof. Paull (ISSC) and Prof. Paul Bohn (University of
Notre Dame).
SFI Technology Innovation Development Award Programme (TIDA) Training 2010 - December 2010
Dr. Damian Connolly Congratulations to Dr. Damian Connolly who recently received Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Technology and Innovation Development Award (TIDA) 2010 training awards.
The award was established by SFI to provide entrepreneurship training for postdoctoral researchers. The aim of the TIDA 2010 initiative was to realise potential commercial value from SFI funded research and to create a culture of innovation and enterprise within the SFI research community. The training programme will provide key skills in entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as the development of key skills in commercialisation, market-potential research opportunities and an understanding of how to assess economic and societal impact. The course will also provide training in business finance, intellectual property, copyright, patents and market feasibility. The course will ultimately culminate in a ‘Dragon’s den’ style competition.
Dr. Connolly’s research interests are in the general area of separation science, with specific focus on next-generation stationary phase design for the separation of a wide range of analytes ranging from small organic and inorganic ions to large biomolecules. Stationary phases fabricated by Dr. Connolly are based on polymer monoliths in capillary formats for ultimate application in a diverse range of areas from environmental analysis to bioseparations/proteomics. Dr. Connolly has specific interest in the study of optimised methodologies for the chemical modification of the polymer surface either by the introduction of functional polymer grafts, or more recently, the covalent attachment of selected metal, silica or polymer nanoparticles for improved chromatographic performance.
ISSC PhD Graduations at UCC - 7th December 2010
Two ISSC researchers were recently conferred with their PhD degrees at the Winter Graduation ceremony at UCC. Pictured on campus with their supervisor, Prof. Jeremy Glennon, are Dr. Fengjun Shang Bioanalysis of Dopamine and Glucose with Electropolymerised Film and Nanoparticle Modified Boron-Doped Diamond Electrodes and Hydrogen Peroxide with Gold Nanowire Array Electrodes” and Dr. Jesse Omamogho “Synthesis and characterisation of novel core-shell silica particles and the application for packed column liquid chromatography”.
(L-R) Dr. Jesse Omamogho, Prof. Jeremy Glennon and Dr. Fenjun Shang
Ion Chromatography Short Course and Workshop - 19 November 2010
The Irish Separation Science Cluster (ISSC) held an Ion Chromatography Short Course and Workshop in the NCSR on Friday 19th November. The aim of the workshop was to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of the industrial and environmental applications of Ion Chromatography. The topics covered during the workshop included: Principals of ion chromatography, stationary phase selection, electrolytic devices, detection and ion exchange chromatography of biomolecules. A tour of the ISSC laboratory facilities also took place with attendees given a demonstration: “Deconstruction of an IC System”. The workshop was very well attended with 27 people attending, 10 of whom were from industry.
Delegates who attended the ISSC Ion Chromatography Short Course and Workshop
ISSC/GMIT Joint Project - 18th November
The ISSC and the Irish Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ICET), GMIT,
have begun a joint project on the analysis of trace phramaceutical residues
within exposed shellfish. The project is funded by the Irish EPA via a Developing
Environmental Research Potential (DERP) award (Project Ref: 2007-DRP-3-S5)
awarded to Dr. Brian Quinn (ICET-GMIT). Gillian McEneff is a postgraduate
student funded by the above project, and will be based within the ISSC with
Prof. Brett Paull's group. Dr. Leon Barron, from the School of Biomedical& Health Sciences, King's College London, with co-supervise Gillian on this
project. For more information see on the above project, see www.icet.ie.
(L-R) Dr. Brian Quinn, GMIT, Prof. Brett Paull, ISSC, Dr. Leon Barron, King's College London and Ms. Gillian McEneff, ISSC
ISSC Researchers Contribute to Book on Monolithic Chromatography- November 2010
Monolithic Chromatography and its Modern ApplicationsOISSC researchers contribute to a significant new publication on monolithic chromatography. The 610 page volume, entitled Monolithic Chromatography and its Modern Applications, published by ILM Publications, as part of the The Chromsoc Separation Science Series, covers both the synthesis and application of all types of monolithic phases in chromatography. Dr. Damian Connolly and Prof. Brett Paull contributed a comprehensive 42 page chapter entitled ‘Monolithic ion exchange phases for the separation of small inorganic and organic ions’. Further details can be found at www.ilmbookstore.com.
ISSC at Big Ideas Showcase 2010 - 20th October
Dr. Dara Fitzpatrick
Dr. Dara Fitzpatrick has been developing Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy (BARDS) to examine solutions in a glass vessel, and explains that it can be used to screen and compare samples.“It’s a novel and simple way of characterising compounds based on an audible phenomenon which occurs when stirring a solute into solution in a glass vessel,” The test examines a sample by dissolving it and using a magnetic follower to excite resonance frequencies in the glass. Then the acoustic profile can be tracked for the solute of interest
- Batch Analyser
- Determination of Crystalline Materials
- Determination of Isomers
- Moisture Determination in Solvents
- Porosimetry
- Reaction Monitoring
Inference of Particle Size
ISSC at the Royal Institution Faradays Lecture Theatre - 15th October
Situated in the heart of London, the Faradays Lecture Theatre, housed within the Royal Institution of Great Britain, has played host to some of the worlds leading scientists, presenting the major scientific discoveries of the past two centuries. On the 15th October the theatre was the venue for the 15th Desty Memorial Lecture for Innovation in Separation Science. The event, which attracts an audience of leading international separation scientists, is hosted by Prof. Peter Myers, a member of the ISSC oversight committee and international advisory panel. The winner of this years Desty award was Dr. Maria-Magdalena Titirici from The Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces. Dr Titirici is currently developing new thermo responsive polymers for use within reversed-phase chromatography, and is currently collaborating with Dr. Damian Connolly within the ISSC on the application of these novel polymers. Prof. Brett Paull was amongst the other invited speakers on the day, presenting a paper entitled ‘Monoliths: is the honeymoon period over, or is there some excitement left?’
(L-R) Prof. Brett Paull (ISSC), Prof. Johan Roeraade (Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm) and Prof. Milos Novotny (Indiana University) at the 15th Desty Memorial Lecture for Innovation in Separation Science.
On the 8th October 2010, Prof. Susan M. Lunte visited the ISSC and delivered a seminar entitled: “Neurochemical Applications of Microchip Electrophoresis”.
Prof. Lunte is Director of the Ralph N. Adams Institute for Bioanalytical Chemistry and Ralph N. Adams Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA. She is also the Associate Editor for the Americas of the journal “Analytical Methods” (RSC), and a former Walton Fellow at DCU (2006). The principal focus of her research program is the development of sensitive and selective analytical methods for the detection of peptides, amino acids, neurotransmitters, and drugs in biological fluids with possible applications in clinical and/or point-of-care diagnostics, effective drug design and behavioral science. During the seminar, she presented recent developments in the area of neurochemical analysis using cutting-edged approaches such as the coupling of on-line microdialysis to microchip electrophoresis for the in vivo determination of drugs and neurotransmitters.
(L-R) Mr. Kieran O'Dwyer, ISSC Manager, Prof. Sue Lunte and Dr. Mercedes Vazquez
Visit of Professor Georges Guiochon to the ISSC Cork - 3rd September
On the 3rd of September, Prof. Georges Guiochon visited Cork and the ISSC for the first time. On the visit, Prof Guiochon kindly acted as the external examiner at Jesse Omamogho’s PhD defence. After the successful examination of Jesse’s PhD thesis, Prof. Guiochon indicated a keen interest to establish a fruitful collaboration with the ISSC to further exploit new mass transfer properties of our innovative EiroShellTM (Core-Shell) particles. Currently, the collaboration work is underway with the ISSC Cork and Prof. Guiochon.
Georges Guiochon is a Professor and Distinguished Scientist of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Tennessee. Prof. Guiochon is a notable figure in chromatography and his thrust of research effort is in several directions, including:
- Measurements of single-component and competitive equilibrium isotherms in a wide range of concentrations. Compounds studied are pairs of enantiomers, proteins, and small molecules.
- Study of the surface heterogeneity of adsorbents by measuring the distribution of the adsorption energy on their surface.
- Measurement the different parameters of the mass transfer kinetics and investigate the mechanisms involved, e.g., pore and surface diffusion.
- Modeling and calculation of the elution band profiles of compounds from their equilibrium isotherms and mass transfer kinetics and comparing these calculated profiles with experimental ones. Their agreement depends on the accuracy of the thermodynamics and kinetic parameters and of the degree of validity of the models used to account for these two sets of phenomena.
Prof Guiochon is an author of over 1000 peer reviewed scientific publications, 3 books and a recipient of 34 prestigious scientific awards.
Photo of Prof. Georges Guiochon and his wife Ann-Beaver together with members of the Cork ISSC during their visit to Cork
ISSC Book Release - September 2010
Two ISSC researchers, Prof Pavel Nesterenko, of the University of
Tasmania, and Prof. Brett Paull celebrate the completion of their latest
collaborative effort, a comprehensive monograph entitled 'High
performance chelation ion chromatography'. The book, co-authored with
Prof. Phil Jones of the University of Plymouth, covers two decades of
research into chelating stationary phases and their application to metal
ion separations, and will be of use to all those working in ion
analysis, from industrial, environmental and bioanalytical backgrounds.
The book is available for pre-order on the Royal Society of Chemistry
website (www.rsc.org) or via amazon.com.
Details: High Performance Chelation Ion Chromatography, Pavel
Nesterenko, Phil Jones, Brett Paull. **ISBN: **978-1-84973-041-9
Prof. Brett Paull and Prof. Pavel Nesterenko with the book they co-authored
Prof. Brett Paull wins the 2010 IC Achievement Award - August 2010
Prof. Brett PaullThe 2010 IC Achievement Award will be presented to ISSC Director Prof. Brett Paull at the 22nd International Ion Chromatography Symposium (IICS 2010), which will be held in Cincinnati , Ohio from the 19th - 22 September. His talk will be presented on Monday morning, September 20th and is entitled “Polymer Monolithic Phases: The Future or a Fading Novelty”. Professor Paull’s research interests are focused on analytical and environmental chemistry, particularly fundamental and applied aspects of separation sciences, including high-performance liquid chromatography, ion chromatography, capillary zone electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography.
Visiting Professor - August 2010
Dr. Mark Nassbaum
Dr. Mark Nussbaum is currently working with Dr. Jeremy Glennon in the UCC chemistry department. Mark is here on sabbatical from the U.S.A from late August through December, working on novel detection methods and chip formats for capillary electrophoresis and other microfluidic separations. Mark is an associate professor of analytical chemistry and chairman of the chemistry department at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan, where he has been for the past nine years. Prior to that, Mark worked as a research scientist at Eli Lilly and Company (Indianapolis, Indiana) in early pharmaceutical development. He and his wife, Sandi, are loving the beauty and hospitality of Ireland while here.
ISSC Scientific Review - June 2010
On the 29th June over 60 representatives from industry, academia and the national funding agencies attended the 6 monthly Scientific Review held by the Irish Separation Science Cluster.
The day consisted of basic science presentations given by the Postdoctoral and Postgraduate Researchers within the ISSC. These covered all areas of separation materials, separations technologies, bio-ligands and micro-fluidics. Each of the presentations was followed up by a question and answer session from amongst the audience, which included Profs Peter Myers (Liverpool) and Andreas Seubert (Marbourg), both of whom are External Scientific Advisors to the ISSC. Prof Seubert also gave a keynote address on his work in the area of polymer based ion exchange materials, which set the tone for the day. Twenty five posters were also presented, all of which received very favourable comment from both ISSC and neutral observers.
We would like to express our appreciation to the 20+ industrial participants and the representatives from Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland who attended. We would also like to thank all other attendees, especially the researchers that put so much effort into making the day such a success. Finally, thanks to the NCSR team that supported the hosting of the review.
Members of the ISSC along with prepresentatives from Science Foundation Ireland, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Cluster's External Advisory Board at the 6-monthly reveiw meeting
HPLC 2010 - ISSC Winner of the Csaba Horvath Young Scientist Award - 19th - 24th June
Mr. Jesse Omamogho, an ISSC post gradutate researcher based in UCC, has won the Csaba Horvath Young Scientist Award at the 35th International Symposium on High Performance Liquid Phase Separations and Related Techniques (HPLC 2010) which was held between the 19th - 24th June in Boston.
The pupose of the award is to honor the memory of Csaba Horvath and recognise his contributions to HPLC, including his interest in fostering the careers of young people in separations science and engineering.
As a Horvath Award winner, Jesse received an invitation to present a lecture at HPLC2011 in Budapest, Hungary and a trophy engraved with his name.
(L-R) Prof. Brett Paull, Mr. Jesse Omamogho and Prof. Jeremy Glennon
Major impact at the 35th International Symposium on High Performance Liquid Phase Separations and Related Techniques (HPLC 2010)
The Irish Separation Science Cluster made a significant impact at HPLC 2010. The conference was held in Boston from the 19th to the 24th June 2010 at the Hynes Convention Centre. Fourteen representatives from DCU and UCC attended on behalf of the ISSC, presenting posters and oral presentations. The highlights of the occasion being the two presentations given by Prof. Brett Paull and Jesse Omamogho, who also won the Csaba Horvath Young Scientist Award. Congratulations to Jesse and all the other researchers who highlighted the excellent science being done by “that Irish Group”. In addition to the science a significant number of industry engagements were undertaken and these will hopefully bear fruit in the next few months.
The opportunity to avail of the famous Boston hospitality was fully taken up by the entire group, some of whom managed to get some sight seeing in prior to the conference. The whales were magnificent, but the price to pay was high. Factor 30 is recommended to all next time out. We would to thank all those who represented the ISSC for the excellence of their work, the good impressions that they made and the team spirit shown by all.
Research Career Start Award - June
Dr. Damian Connolly
Dr. Damian Connolly, Programme Coordinator (Separation Science, DCU) has recently been awarded €40,000 in Research Career Start funding from DCU’s Research Advisory Panel. This award shall assist Dr. Connolly in the establishment of an independent research track and will allow him to engage in research in the area of “Next-generation nano-structured stationary phases for separation science”. The proposed research shall involve the modification of polymer monoliths in capillary formats with metal nanoparticles and/or silica/polymer nanocomposite materials with tailored functionality for enhanced selectivity and efficiency in capillary chromatographic applications. These monoliths shall be applied to the analysis of selected peptides and proteins in complex biological samples.
Specifically, the awarded funding shall be used for:
- Publication of research results.
- Recruitment of a postgraduate student or post-doctoral researcher as appropriate.
- Purchase of essential research materials and equipment.
- Research related travel for the dissemination of results and/or networking.
Dr. Connolly shall be invited to give a seminar as part of the Research Seminar Series, in the academic year 2010/2011.
Publication & WAM 2010 Conference - 7th & 8th June 2010
ISSC researchers Mercedes Vázquez and Brett Paull published a review entitled “Review on recent and advanced applications of monoliths and related porous polymer gels in micro-fluidic devices” (Anal. Chim. Acta. 2010, 668, 100-113). This review critically summarises recent analytical/bioanalytical and catalytic applications of monolithic materials and related porous polymer gels in micro-fluidic devices appearing within the literature over the period of the last 5 years (2005–2010). Procedures used in the preparation of monolithic materials in micro-channels, as well as some practical aspects of the micro-fluidic chip fabrication are also addressed.
Dr. Vázquez also contributed with an oral presentation and a poster focused on the same topic to the II International Workshop on Analytical Miniaturization (“lab-on-a-chip”), WAM 2010, held on June 7-8, 2010 in Oviedo (Asturias), Spain. Preliminary results achieved on the preparation of monoliths in specific areas of micro-fluidic channels using different heating devices were presented. The workshop covered all aspects related to miniaturisation in analytical chemistry with special emphasis in lab-on-a-chip devices and micro-fluidic platforms. Prof. Susan Lunte, former Walton Fellow at DCU and collaborator, delivered an exciting opening lecture focused on neurochemical applications of microchip electrophoresis.
Example of a mLC chip integrating a monolithic separation column included in the review. Reproduced with permission from J.F. Borowsky et al., Anal. Chem. 80 (2008) 8287–8292. Copyright 2008 American Chemical Society.
Publication - 4th June 2010
On the 4th June 2010, Zarah Walsh (former ISSC researcher), Mercedes Vázquez, Mirek Macka and Brett Paull in collaboration with Fernando Benito-Lopez and Dermot Diamond from CLARITY (DCU), and Frantisek Svec from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley, US) published a Communication paper as an Advance Article in the web site of Lab on a Chip (Impact Factor, 6.5). This work illustrates the ISSC’s effort on establishing fruitful collaborations with world-leading research groups with the aim of strengthening the quality of our research program. The paper describes the novel use of scanning capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) for the evaluation of the structural homogeneity and density of both packed and monolithic stationary phases within the channels of micro-fluidic chips (Lab Chip, 2010, DOI: 10.1039/C003584J). 
Scheme showing the setup for scanning C4D measurements used in the characterisation of stationary phases embedded in micro-fluidic channels.
ISSC Training - 19th - 21st May
On 19th May to 21st May 2010, Dr. Julia Smith from Bruker Daltonics visited the ISSC to provide training on the new Bruker HCT Ion trap LC-MS. Training included using the control software, generating MS (MS/MS) methods, calibration and general maintenance as well as data processing using the DataAnalysis software.
(L-R) Dr. Julia Smith (Bruker), Dr. Damian Connolly (ISSC), Ms. Sara Sandron (ISSC), Mr Stephen Fuller (ISSC/NCSR) and Dr. Ekaterina Nesterenko (ISSC)
ISSC Seminar - 13th May
Prof. Peter MyersOn the 13th May 2010, Prof. Peter Myers visited the ISSC in DCU and delivered a seminar titled: “New Directions in Separation Sciences”.
Prof. Myers is a visiting professor from the Universities of Leeds, York and Chester. In February he took a sponsored chair in the University of Liverpool. During the seminar, Prof. Myers compared new advances in separation science to other industries such as a electronics, computing and IT. The lecture also outlined new separation methods that are being pioneered in the University of Liverpool, with results shown as to the application of these new liquid, gas separation and detection methods.
ISSC/NCSR Seminar - 26th April
Prof. Laura Lechuga On the 26th &27th April 2010, Prof. Laura Lechuga visited the ISSC in DCU. On the 26th, she delivered a seminar entitled: “Integrated nanobiosensor platforms for
point-of-care diagnostics”, which was organized by the ISSC and the NCSR. During her visit, Prof. Lechuga had also the chance to meet other research groups within the NCSR to discuss about possible collaborations.
Prof. Lechuga is a Full Professor of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Head of the Nanobiosensors and Bioanalytical Applications Group at the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Barcelona, Spain (CIN2-CSIC). The principal focus of her research program is the technological development of biosensors based on (nano)plasmonics, magneto-plasmonics, integrated photonics and nano-mechanics principles, surface bio-functionalisation and lab-on-a-chip integration. She has over 120 articles and book chapters, 8 patents and patents applications and has presented over 60 invited international conferences. She has been the driving force for the establishment of the spin-off company (SENSIA, SL, www.sensia.es) integrated in the holding GENETRIX and in MONDRAGON Corporation. Recently, she has been also co-founder of the spin-off company BIOD, SL. More information can be found at www.cin2.es/biosensores.
Monolith Training - 22nd & 23rd April 2010
On the 22nd and 23rd April, members of the ISSC based in University College Cork, travelled to the ISSC facilities in DCU. The visit was for the purposes of training in the "fabrication, modification and characterisation of polymer monoliths in capillary formats for applications in separation science". The one and a half day's training session was hosted by Dr. Damian Connolly and comprised a talk on the theory of monolith polymerisation and modificaiton. This was followed by practical experience in the laboratory.
ISSC Members from both UCC and DCU in the ISSC's lab based in the NCSR during their training session
Prof. Brett Paull Interview - 20th April 2010
Prof. Brett Paull Prof. Brett Paull was interviewed for an article that appeared in Chemical Technology, an RSC Publication on the 20th April 2010. In the interview, Prof. Paull talks to Mike Brown about analytical chemistry, the effect of personal care products on the environment and the amazing opportunities chemists have to travel. The interview can be found here.
Brett Paull is director of the Irish Separation Science Cluster at Dublin City University, Ireland. His research interests are based within the fields of analytical, bioanalytical and environmental chemistry, particularly fundamental (new materials and detection techniques) and applied aspects of ion chromatography (IC), capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and coupled techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad - April 2010
Ms. Fengjun Shang, an ISSC researcher and PhD student in Analytical Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Jeremy D. Glennon in the Department of Chemistry has received the highly-prestigious Chinese Government Award.
The Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad, which includes a certificate and a $5000 prize, recognizes outstanding Chinese students undertaking full-time PhD research abroad. Awardees are selected on academic merit and research achievements by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) after two rounds of judging by eminent experts.
Ms. Shang commenced her PhD in Oct 2006, and was the first Chinese student in UCC to be awarded an Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) postgraduate scholarship. Ms. Shang has made significant contributions to her research area which focuses on the development of highly selective and sensitive bio-detection systems.
Working in the ABCRF, and also under the guidance of an SFI Walton investigator, Prof. John H. T. Luong of the National Research Council (NRC), Canada, she has published 5 papers in prestigious journals and presented several oral and poster papers at international conferences. In her work, she has achieved selective nanomolar detection of dopamine using a composite polymer film modified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode, a method of clinical significance for molecular diagnostics of Parkinson’s disease, the design of therapeutics and in the evaluation of drug efficacy. This work was published in the American Chemical Society’s ‘Analytical Chemistry’ journal. In addition, she has initiated and developed a fruitful collaboration with Dr. Razeeb's research group in the Tyndall National Institute. She has helped supervise several Masters and final year project students, with one of her students wining first prize, the '2007/2008 Lilly Poster Prize' at the final year Chemistry poster presentations.
Ms. Shang says “I would like to share this award with my supervisors Prof. Glennon and Prof. Luong who brought me into the front areas of research with their excellent guidance and constant encouragement throughout my PhD study. I also would like to express my sincere gratitude to the support from all the staff and colleagues in the Chemistry Department.”
Ms. Fengjun Shang, who has received the highly-prestigious Chinese Government Award for outstanding students abroad
Prof. Pavel Nesterenko Interview - 1st March 2010
Prof. Pavel Nesterenko Prof. Pavel Nesterenko was interviewed for an article that appeared in LCGC Europe on the 1st March 2010. The article, entitled "Diamonds are a Chromatographer's Best Friend?" appeared in Issue 3, volume 3 and can be found here.
Pavel N. Nesterenko obtained a PhD (1982) and DSc (1999) in analytical chemistry from Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia, where he performed most of his research. In December 2006 he joined the Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS) of University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia as Professor in Separation Sciences. Professor Nesterenko has published over 220 scientific papers. He is also a member of Editorial boards of Analytica Chimica Acta and Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry/Academic Press.
ISSC Seminar - 5th February 2010
Dr. Damian Connolly is pictured with Dr. Emily Hider, during her recent visit to the ISSC facilities in DCUOn the 5th February 2010, Dr. Emily Hilder visited the ISSC in DCU and delivered a seminar titled: “Polymeric monolithic stationary phases based on photografting or nanoparticle coatings”. This talk was part of an ongoing seminar series hosted by the UNCSR in Dublin City University and Dr. Hilders participation was organized by the ISSC.
Dr. Emily Hilder is currently Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Assistant Dean of Graduate Research at the University of Tasmania and is Coordinator for the research theme ‘Separation Media’ in ACROSS (Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science). Dr. Hilder is author of over 50 peer reviewed publications and is an Editor of the Journal of Separation Science. Her research focuses on the design and application of new polymeric materials, in particular polymer monoliths, in all areas of separation science. This includes the introduction of new strategies for the selective functionalisation of polymer monoliths, in particular using UV light and nanoparticles, and the development of new methods for performance assessment and design of high performance analytical separation systems.
Publication - February 2010
ISSC researchers based in DCU have published a paper in Journal of Separation Science describing the non-invasive visualisation of stationary phase gradients on polymer monoliths. (J. Sep. Sci., 2010, DOI: 10.1002/jssc.200900720)
Publication - February 2010
ISSC researchers Ekaterina Nesterenko, Damian Connolly and Brett Paull in collaboration with Prof. Pavel Nesterenko (University of Tasmania) publish the first report of polymer monoliths formed within titanium housings with complete wall attachment. This work has been accepted in Journal of Chromatography A, the highest ranking separation science journal and is available online. (DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2010.02.007).
Commercial titanium tubing (left) and in-house titanium-housed monolith (right)
Publication - February 2010
ISSC researchers Dr. Damian Connolly and Prof. Brett Paull publish key research outputs in Chemical Communications, (Impact Factor: 5.34) which is a general chemistry journal with a wide-ranging readership and a cross-disciplinary appeal. This illustrates the ISSC’s goal to branch out and expand their research footprint within the chemical sciences. (Chem. Commun. 2010, DOI: 10.1039/b924152c). The paper describes the covalent attachment of gold nanoparticles to a polymer monolith with a homogeneous, high surface coverage.
FE-SEM images of a gold modified polymer monolith