Browsing by Author "Liu, Pei-Han"

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Automated on-line liquid-liquid extraction system for temporal mass spectrometric analysis of dynamic samples
(2015-09-24)
Hsieh, Kai-Ta
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Liu, Pei-Han
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Urban, Pawel L.
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應用化學系
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應用化學系分子科學碩博班
Most real samples cannot directly be infused to mass spectrometers because they could contaminate delicate parts of ion source and guides, or cause ion suppression. Conventional sample preparation procedures limit temporal resolution of analysis. We have developed an automated liquid-liquid extraction system that enables unsupervised repetitive treatment of dynamic samples and instantaneous analysis by mass spectrometry (MS). It incorporates inexpensive open-source microcontroller boards (Arduino and Netduino) to guide the extraction and analysis process. Duration of every extraction cycle is 17 min. The system enables monitoring of dynamic processes over many hours. The extracts are automatically transferred to the ion source incorporating a Venturi pump. Operation of the device has been characterized (repeatability, RSD = 15%, n = 20; concentration range for ibuprofen, 0.053-2.000 mM; LOD for ibuprofen, similar to 0.005 mM; including extraction and detection). To exemplify its usefulness in real-world applications, we implemented this device in chemical profiling of pharmaceutical formulation dissolution process. Temporal dissolution profiles of commercial ibuprofen and acetaminophen tablets were recorded during 10 h. The extraction-MS datasets were fitted with exponential functions to characterize the rates of release of the main and auxiliary ingredients (e.g. ibuprofen, k = 0.43 +/- 0.01 h(-1)). The electronic control unit of this system interacts with the operator via touch screen, internet, voice, and short text messages sent to the mobile phone, which is helpful when launching long-term (e.g. overnight) measurements. Due to these interactive features, the platform brings the concept of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) to the chemistry laboratory environment. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Plug-Volume-Modulated Dilution Generator for Flask-Free Chemistry
(2016-12-06)
Liu, Pei-Han
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Urban, Pawel L.
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應用化學系
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應用化學系分子科學碩博班
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Department of Applied Chemistry
Dilution is one of the common chemical procedures which are carried out in all chemistry laboratories to prepare standard solutions with different concentrations for assay calibration, and to reduce matrix effects while handling complex samples. Yet dilution is mostly performed manually using large volume manual liquid-handling tools (volumetric flasks, graduated cylinders, and pipettes). Here we describe a simple continuous and automated method of diluting complex samples and stock solutions using an Arduino-based control unit. The proposed plug-volume-modulation approach relies on continuous introduction of short plugs of samples separated with short plugs of solvent. The train of sample pulses is generated by opening and closing two pinch valves interchangeably, so that either sample or solvent can enter the mixing zone (T-junction). The plugs of sample and solvent are pulled along a transfer flow line by a peristaltic pump. They mix due to advection, turbulence, and diffusion. The effluent of the flow line supplies diluted samples with well-defined dilution factors. The desired dilution factor is programmed by setting the duration of sample and solvent pulses injected in every cycle. The sample duty cycle effectively determines the dilution factor. Initially, we verified the quality of the generated diluted samples by off-line and online optical detection. We further demonstrated the usefulness of this dilution generator when selecting the optimum dilution factors for complex samples analyzed by direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The proposed method eliminates conventional glassware from dilution steps. Hence, it can readily be incorporated into automated analytical systems.
Spontaneous luminescence color change in the firefly luciferase assay system
(2017-12-15)
Liu, Pei-Han
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Urban, Pawel L.
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應用化學系
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Department of Applied Chemistry
The temporal effects of luciferase reaction luminescence have only been discussed in the context of light intensity (flash vs. glow). However, alterations in the color of the light emitted over the course of the luciferase reaction have not been reported. Here, we show a temporal change in the light color emitted during the reaction catalyzed by unmodified firefly luciferase when concentrations of one of the substrates, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), are gradually increased. The temporal color change from green to red occurs within the first few minutes of the luciferase reaction when an ATP-containing solution is either added or synthesized in situ with the aid of an autocatalytic reaction occurring simultaneously. This color change is not accompanied by pH changes. An analysis of the red and green channels demonstrates dissimilar kinetics, suggesting the co-existence of two or more temporally shifted luminescence pathways. The implications of these findings might improve dual-color biosensing/imaging protocols and influence the engineering of biophotonic systems.