Master/Semester Project: Interfacing microfluidics and high-resolution mass spectrometry for the study of complex metabolomes II

Largely, current methods in biology cannot quantitatively probe complex biological settings in real-time and on a large-scale. Integrating mass spectrometry-based omics (metabolomics/proteomics) with specific microfluidic devices and chemistries is critical for the development of improved assays in systems biology. This project for master’s students in engineering focuses on the development of a microfluidic/nanofluidic device coupled to a mass spectrometer to study metabolic changes in isolated cell and biological systems. Specifically, the student will be asked to model optimize parameters of a microfluidic system and switching valves to i) load samples, ii) deliver defined solutions and, iii) trigger data collection on a high-resolution mass spectrometer to detect and quantify metabolic alterations. Students will gain expertise in coding, mass spectrometry, microfluidics, and liquid chromatography. 

For more information please contact Dr. Peter Doubleday at