Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences
Analytical Chemistry
Introduction
The Analytical Chemistry Group focuses on the study of macromolecules, complex mixtures and the application of analytical chemistry to forensic science. It aims to advance science by creating novel or greatly improved possibilities for performing analytical measurements in general and analytical separations in particular.
As group leader professor Peter Schoenmakers points out, research of the group has its origins in the separation and characterization of macromolecules, both natural and synthetic. However, the expertise proved to be of value outside the polymer world. "We now have projects in areas such as pharmaceutical, clinical and food analysis", says Schoenmakers. "They are amongst others based on our knowledge of multi-dimensional separations and of miniaturization towards the micro- and nano-scale."
Fairly recently the area of Forensic Analysis was added to the research portfolio. It resulted from the involvement of the group in teaching for the master program Forensic Sciences. Schoenmakers: "Our contacts in this field led to a variety of opportunities for research cooperation. That's why the chair of the theme was redefined in 2009 to Analytical chemistry and its application in forensic analysis." The Dutch forensic institute NFI now funds a project on forensic explosives analysis.
Other noteworthy projects are Innovations in Gas Chromatography, directly sponsored by industry, and Tuberculosis Smelling among Children. The latter is a spin-off from the research project on pyrolysis-GC-MS presently elaborated in the group. It is founded through the USB Foundation and will be executed in cooperation with the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa). Its purpose is to develop new methods and instrumentation to detect TB infections among children, with greater sensitivity and specificity than existing diagnostic tests. And with minimal impact for the children.
Research
The Analytical Chemistry group is the research cluster of the Macromolecular and Biosystems Analysis theme within HIMS. Advanced spectroscopic and separation techniques and data analysis ('chemometrics') are the key research objectives.
The group utilises and develops advanced techniques such as one- and two-dimensional separation techniques, electro-migration techniques and field-flow fractionation. It explores a variety of general and more-specific detectors. Developments in mass spectrometry and two-dimensional liquid-chromatographic separations are expected to generate novel insights in the structure and function of proteins, peptides, starch, natural surfactants and drug excipients. A new focus in the research programme is on advanced chip-based separation systems based on nanotechnology.
The application of analytical chemistry expertise to the field of forensic science presents interesting challenges and opportunities. Quite promising is the possibility to use analytical separations for the detection and characterization of explosives. Further interesting research questions concern the interpretation of analytical data in a forensic context. Efforts in this direction will yield tools that are generally applicable in the chemometrics discipline.
Scientific Staff
Professor dr.ir. Peter J. Schoenmakers (Group leader)
Chair: Analytical chemistry including its application in forensic science
Professor dr.ir. Hans-Gerd Jansen
Chair: Analytical separation of biomacromolecules
(part-time; affiliated with Unilever Research)
Professor dr. Sjoerd van der Wal
Chair: Bioterials Analysis
(part-time; affiliated with DSM Resolve)
Associate professor dr. Wim Th. Kok
Associate professor dr. Arian van Asten
(guest; afilliated with the Netherlands Forensic Institute)
Assistant professor dr. Gabriel Vivó Truyols
