https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=eMRNQFcAAAAJ&hl=en&inst=15611845720231691803&oi=ao
My research involved the analysis of various chemicals and metabolites such as the biomarkers for traumatic brain injury diagnosis, oxidative stress chemicals for animal health, phyto-chemicals for plant germination potential and vigor, environmental contaminants for monitoring and remediation, biosensing chemicals, sustainable biofuels and bioproducts, chemical composition of particulate matter, endocrine disrupting chemicals in wastewater treatment effluents, glycoproteins in genetically modified corn, explosive chemicals for mine detection, etc. I’m currently the director of Bioanalytical Core which is fully equipped with major analytical instruments including LC-Q-Triple Quad tandem MS, LC/MALDI-Q-TOF high resolution MS, IC-MS, GC-MS, GCs, HPLCs, ICP-MS, IC, AFM, FFF, Spectrophotometers, ultra-low temperature freezers, ultra-pure water purifiers, autoclaves, bio-safety hood, centrifuges, bio-printer, Biosafety Level-2 lab, etc. My research team also has full access to all research facilities and equipment located in the Department of Chemistry.
R&D in biosensor, explosive & chemical agent detection and neutralization, analytical method & instrument, biofuel, bioproduct, pharmaceutical, polymer, environmental pollution monitoring & remediation, etc. were conducted in collaboration with investigators from other disciplines and institutes. Early major research work involved the comprehensive characterization of obscurant oil aerosols. Chemical, physical, and toxicological assays of the oils and obscurant aerosols in the field and the laboratory have shown the potential of using biogenic oil esters as obscurant material. Furthermore, renewable biogenic oils were also modified and formulated with additives for increased stability and new applications in biofuel, technical oil, styrofoam recycle, wood preservative, and polymer synthesis.
I have directed an Air Force SBIR for the development of particulate matter on-line, real-time characterization and monitoring system. Phases I & II of the project included design, construction, performance evaluation of the integrated system for physical and chemical speciation of engine emission particles, and final delivery of two complete systems to Air Force and NASA. This advanced particle monitoring system has been utilized in the evaluation of various combustion sources including small engine, automobile engine, jet engine, coal-fired power plant, etc. Other US Department of Defense supported research involves the development of chemical vapor detection sensors for locating explosives and chemical warfare agents by utilizing the rapid trap and desorption mechanisms coupled with selective chemical detectors. A field deployable prototype for detection of nitroaromatic explosives was fabricated and completed comprehensive performance evaluation.
In collaboration with biology faculty members, we have analyzed trace levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals (natural estrogens, antibiotics, pesticides, synthetic detergents, etc.) in streams near the confined animal farming operation and major population. Missouri Department of Conservation supported this multi-year monitoring program to assess the effect of anthropogenic activities in Missouri aquatic environment. We monitored aquatic physical properties and nutrient concentrations in these streams. This study provided a model to approach combining effects caused by endocrine modulators and excess nutrients which have been a problem in agricultural states.
Grants from Missouri soybean farmers’ association had supported several collaborative research to enhance soybean utilization. Treated soybeans and soy-based foods were evaluated for major and minor components. Novel solvent systems utilizing hydrofluorocarbon and supercritical carbon dioxide were developed for selective extraction of oil and other components from soybeans. This research has culminated in construction of prototype extraction system and optimization of soybean oil recovery and quality. This discovery resulted in 3 patents.
We have cooperated with an animal feed manufacturer (Novus International) in the enzymatic synthesis of modified peptides from amino acids and hydroxy acids. It had progressed to feasibility testing of the product as a feed supplement to rumen animal. The highlights of these research activities were the development of procedures for the enzyme catalyzed synthesis of a new class of polypeptide. Enantio-selectivity by enzyme catalyzed synthesis of oligomers on a preparative scale has been demonstrated and patented.
We have conducted a Monsanto-supported research to develop LC-MS based analytical techniques for the characterization of heterogeneous glycoproteins derived from genetically modified corn. Transgenic corn offers an attractive cost-effective means for large scale production of therapeutic glycoproteins suitable for pharmaceutical purposes. However, to fully assess the potential of this synthetic pathway of therapeutics production, separation and characterization of glycoproteins are essential from both the pharmacokinetic and quality control points of view. Our newly developed method allowed efficient separation of oligosaccharides based on charge, size and structure, and the molecular weight plus some structural information then be obtained from the MS.
A $4.7M collaborative research was conducted with the Materials Science & Engineering department to study thermal degradation of polymer foam patterns used in the lost foam casting process. We evaluated the decomposition products and kinetics of foam pattern materials in support of the lost form casting (LFC) process development. Specifically, we investigated the effects of high temperature and radiant heat transfer modes present in steel casting.
I have also directed a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional collaborative research to develop innovative technologies for the economical and sustainable production of biofuels and other bioproducts from microalgae. Microalgae are fast growing and efficient converters of solar energy and carbon dioxide, thereby producing many times the biomass per unit area of land when compared to terrestrial plants. These photosynthetic microorganisms have great potential to be the solution to the growing energy and environmental challenges as a more efficient method for bioenergy production and a more practical and environmentally responsible method for carbon dioxide sequestration. The team has established a collection of many microalgae species, specifically the native species that adapt well to various environmental conditions and can resist the invasion by undesirable species. The team has been also investigating the conditions for the maximum production of algal biomass and target biochemicals. Efficient techniques for harvesting and separating algal cells from culture media were developed and evaluated for the large-scale, field evaluation. The construction of a pilot open-pond cultivation system that can utilize carbon dioxide in the flue gas generated from a coal-fired power plant has been completed for demonstration of the large-scale algae cultivation and harvesting. The ultimate goal is to incorporate the innovative techniques developed from this research to building microalgae cultivating and bio-refining systems that can economically mass-produce biomass feedstock and convert to biofuels and other valuable bioproducts. This new research has generated approximately $1.5M external grants.
We developed an optical oxygen sensor patch using a fluorophore immobilized in polystyrene microparticle-based ink. A prototype printing technique was developed suitable to print particle-based ink. An Android smart phone-based image acquisition technique was also established to quantify the phosphorescence intensity response as a function of oxygen concentration. Printed sensor patches along with imaging read-out technique made the system suitable for simple, cost-effective monitoring of oxygen on a surface. Future research will determine potential usefulness of the sensor patches in clinical applications, especially for early detection and rapid screening of incipient skin wound (e.g. pressure ulcer) patients lying on bed with minimal mobility by monitoring oxygen over skin surface. It is expected that the proto-type sensor is an ideal platform for early detection and timely intervention of surface wounds associated with tissue oxygen.
We have just completed a 4-year long collaborative research with Bayer Crop Science to discover the chemical markers to evaluate seed quality and predict germination potential. The specific initiatives include: 1) Developing advanced highly sensitive analytical methods for analysis of seed quality related chemical markers; 2) Discovery of seed quality metabolic markers by screening a number panels of chemicals/biomolecules; 3) Validation of discovered markers by analyzing large batches of different quality seeds, and also in single seed level if possible. Levels of key metabolites and nutritional minerals associated with seed development, maturity, dormancy, germination and vigor may provide accurate predication of seed physiological quality and therefore can predict seed performance in terms of field emergence and uniformity.
I have recently directed a multi-year interdisciplinary research to evaluate the efficacy of an antioxidant therapy in conjunction with the oxidative stress biomarker assay for effective diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). Blast exposure is one of the most common causes of TBI in active service military personnel. After initial impact, the brain undergoes a delayed trauma or secondary injury where the reduced cerebral blood flow results in hypoxia, cascade of excitotoxic events and generation of oxidative stress. Free radical-induced oxidative damage reactions and membrane lipid peroxidation are among the best validated secondary injury mechanisms in TBI models. Therefore, the discovery of antioxidants that inhibit free radical-induced lipid peroxidation and its neurotoxic consequences has great potential as therapeutic drugs for the prevention and treatment of TBI.
We have also recently completed a project to: (1) determine levels of selected chemical components in water from aquarium systems that utilize ozone, carbon, and ultraviolet light for organic reduction and water sterilization; Determination of oxidative-stress biomarkers in fish tissues, (2) determine the possible cause of epithelial erosion and necrosis in certain species of fish. There are over 200 aquariums worldwide with the largest being over 14 million gallons. Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield Missouri has 1.5 million gallons and Bass Pro shops has over 230 individual systems comprising 1.7 million gallons. Modern aquariums typically use multiple systems to maintain water quality and clarity. Ozone, a powerful oxidizer, has been added to the arsenal to disinfect, flocculate, and remove organics thereby enhancing water quality/clarity. However, this has created an issue with the health of the aquarium inhabitants. In freshwater systems with ozone, epithelial erosions over the bony plates and lateral line are observed. Similar issues are also noted in systems utilizing activated carbon. To preserve the longevity and educational value of these exhibits, it is important to determine what is/are the cause(s) of these problems.
Current research projects:
Development of an innovative water treatment technology based on an advanced oxidation process for effective mitigation of the disinfection by-product (DBP) issue:
The strong oxidants generated through catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by magnetic iron oxide are being investigated to simultaneously remove dissolved organic carbons, mitigate the formation of toxic, halogen-containing DBPs, as well as disinfect harmful pathogens in drinking water treatment. If successful, the results from this project will substantially contribute to our fundamental understandings of mechanisms on simultaneous disinfection and DBP formation control in drinking water treatment and lead to a green, cost-effective water treatment technology for small water systems in rural communities to improve drinking water safety and safeguard rural residents from unsafe drinking water. Results would also have greater health and economic impacts as it is likely to help rural, small water systems in compliance with the EPA DBP regulations, and reduce potential medical claims by residents consuming drinking water with elevated DBPs.
PFAS Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Vegetation: Understanding Transmembrane Migration and Phytotoxicity:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are notorious for their chemical stability and health risks. Despite rigorous regulatory policies on PFAS in drinking water have been formulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the potential risks in agricultural settings remain inadequately explored. This study aims to fill critical gaps in our understanding of PFAS, with a specific focus on their uptake and bioaccumulation mechanisms in vegetation and foraging crops as a significant pathway to human exposure, their synergistic phytotoxicity, and identification of the source and extent of their occurrence in the Midwest rural agricultural areas. Upon success, the project is expected to gain significant insights into the PFAS contamination extent and plant health risks to those affected communities across the Midwest agricultural areas. Expected Output include: (1) establish high-throughput UPLC-MS/MS and MALDI-HRMS methods to quantify PFAS in comprehensive environmental and plant samples; (2) gain deeper understanding of the mechanisms for PFAS plant uptake and accumulation controlled at the soil-root interface; (3) enable for the first time a substantive investigation of the potential PFAS contamination and bioaccumulation in the Midwest agricultural area. The results will be of great benefit to the sustainability of a wide range of agricultural communities that are infested with PFAS, and help farmers to develop mitigating strategies and cost-effective agronomic management plans.