New Analytical Approaches to Understand Biological Systems with Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
Open Access
Author:
Jackson, Lauren Marie
Graduate Program:
Chemistry
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
May 16, 2014
Committee Members:
Nicholas Winograd, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor Wayne Roger Curtis, Committee Member Thomas E Mallouk, Committee Member Barbara Jane Garrison, Committee Member
Keywords:
SIMS secondary ion mass spectrometry analytical chemistry mass spectrometry trehalose Botryococcus braunii algae biofuel
Abstract:
The work of this thesis has focused on investigating biological systems with the most current secondary ion mass spectrometry instrumentation and novel sample preparation techniques. The microalga biofuel candidate, Botryococcus braunii, has been thoroughly investigated by three-dimensional chemical imaging to answer several questions regarding its metabolism and chemical composition. These findings provide a breadth of information beneficial and crucial to the successful advancement of B. braunii as a biofuel. The enhancement effects and cellular vitrification capabilities of trehalose have been explored and confirmed trehalose entry into cells has been found. This work is evidence of the great contributions to the biological realm to which SIMS can contribute.
