Maria Kariuki
Molecular Analytical Science PhD student. Funded by the EPSRC through the Molecular Analytical Science Centre for Doctoral Training.
Research
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AF4 is an up and coming analytical technique whereby separation of a broad molar mass distribution is achieved without a stationary phase. This offers the advantage of avoiding/minimising shear degradation of high Mw samples <105 Da). Separation occurs in a narrow channel and is manipulated by the application of a perpendicular cross flow. Special thanks to: PostNova Analytics |
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1st Year Phd: Characterisation of high Mw polymeric assemblies using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4). Supervisor: Professor Sebastien Perrier |
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Previous Research:
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Msc Project : Characterisation of cyclic peptide-polymer conjugates Supervisor: Professor Sebastien Perrier |
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The project was aimed at systematically characterising different designs of cyclic peptide-polymer conjugate self-assemblies so as to monitor differences in their size/aggregation behaviour and hydrophobicity. The former was assessed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and static light scattering (SLS) while the latter was determined by high perfomance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of sample treatments (including sonication and heating) to the stability of the conjugates was also assessed. Lastly a general protocol for their analysis/purification was established. Relevant article: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2012/cs/c2cs35172b |
| Msc Team Project : Analysis of Toxic Compounds in Makeup |
| HPLC, GC-MS & ICP-OES was employed to assess the quantity of harmful heavy metals and preservatives in both higher and lower-end makeup samples. A conjecture that more expensive samples would be less contaminated was disproved as significant amounts of arsenic and lead were observed. |
| Bsc Team Project: The Use of Metabonomics to Determine Post-Mortem Intervals by the Measurement of Phosphorous and Sulphur Concentrations in the Liver |
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The project involved the organic and inorganic extraction of DNA from lamb liver aliquots that had been progressively aged and subjected to different environmental conditions (e.g. temperatures, humidity). The aliquots were then analyse using ICP – MS to quantify any present P & S elements in an attempt to draw up a trend chart. Sulphuric compounds were observed to increase with time up to a certain time frame whereby they reduced drastically. Having observed a preliminary trend, this work is being used as a basis for future research on food (meat) safety. |
Academic Background:
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MSc in Analytical Science and Instrumentation: (Upper class Merit) |
University of Warwick (2017 - 2018) |
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BSc in Forensic Science with Smart Systems (2:1) |
Keele University (2012 - 2015) |
Contact Details: |
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Email: M.Kariuki@warwick.ac.uk Group website: Perrier |