News & Events

When

Date - April 18, 2018
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

What

MS Thesis Defense – CHE 602
Title: Rapid and Improved Assay of Surfactins from Bacillus subtilis, 203R via LC-ESI-MS.
Advisor: Dr. Nadja Cech

Abstract:

 Talk Title: Rapid and Improved Assay of Surfactins from Bacillus subtilis, 203R via LC-ESI-MS.

Abstract:  A wide range of synthetic surfactants have been created with properties of detergency and emulsification that are unparalleled. While these chemicals possess proven performance in many areas, they are unsuitable for use in pharmaceutical and medical applications. Biosurfactants from microorganisms show continued interest as renewable or green alternatives to petroleum based surfactants.  One of the most powerful of these, the surfactins have shown use in enhanced oil recovery, bioremediation and as emulsifiers in cosmetic applications.  These cyclic lipopeptides are produced by several species of Bacillus as well as Pseudomonads.  Pharmaceutical applications for surfactants and biosurfactants are wide and varied.  Their use as excipients in formulations allows alterations in solubility and absorption of a drug, as well as dissolution and disintegration which in turn effects the rate of absorption. In order to bridge research with commercialization, we seek to develop an improved analytical method for the assay of surfactins using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) coupled to Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry with a LTQ Mass Spectrometer utilizing Orbitrap Technology.  This method should prove faster and reproducible with better resolution than current methodologies.