Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Monitoring Control & Optimization of Bioprocesses

本提案寻求使用一种相对较新的和高度通用的分析技术（串联质谱法）来分离和鉴定生物反应器中复杂混合物的单个组分。所提出的方法还寻求利用毛细管膜界面进行样品运输和分析物的选择性渗透。使用三重四极杆仪器的初步结果表明，所提出的方法具有敏感性，可以在整个（未过滤）发酵液中识别微量以前未怀疑的中间体。监测、控制和优化生物过程的传感器是生物技术领域的强烈需求，本提案提供了一种解决这一需求的方法。该提案也是我们希望在工程理事会的生物技术计划中看到的跨学科项目类型的一个很好的例子。首席研究人员被认为完全有资格进行拟议的研究。

This proposal seeks to use a relatively new and highly versatile analytical technique (Tandem Mass Spectrometry) to separate and identify individual components of complex mixtures in a bioreactor. The proposed methodology also seeks to utilize a capillary membrane interface for sample transport and selective permeation of analytes. Preliminary results using a triple quadrupole instrument show that the proposed methodology has the sensitivity to allow identification of trace amounts of previously unsuspected intermediates in whole (unfiltered) fermentation broths. Sensors for monitoring, controlling and optimizing bioprocesses is a strong need of the biotechnology field and this proposal provides a means of addressing this need. This proposal is also an excellent example of the type of cross-disciplinary project we wish to see in the Engineering Directorate's Biotechnology Program. The Principal Investigators are considered to be well qualified to carry out the proposed research.