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Assistant Professor Coordinator - B.S. Interdisciplinary Science Program |
B.S., Virginia Commonwealth University
M.S., Virginia Commonwealth University
Ph.D., University of Delaware
Research interests
Next generation technology developments in the ultidisciplinary field of analytical chemistry will focus on the characterization of milligram to nanogram amounts of analyte in complex matrices at ultra-trace levels. Our research interests involve the development of hyphenated separations methods ideally suited to the analysis of trace levels of analyte found in clinical, environmental and industrial chemical samples. A major limitation in the assay of these types of samples is the sample preparation requirements. The effort required to isolate or convert samples into a form suitable for introduction into the analytical instrument may be in excess of 60 percent of the total analysis time and contribute significantly to the overall error in the method. One theme that is prominently entwined amongst pursuits in analytical chemistry and is exploited in our research laboratory is the application of biological molecules, both as analytical reagents and in the development of analytical methods to elucidate biomolecule structure and function. The coupling of powerful recognition agents such as antibodies that are capable of reacting specifically with analyte at low concentrations in complex media in-line with the analytical separations method can greatly minimize the time and expense involved in the analysis of samples in complex “real world” matrices.
Capillary electrophoresis and immunoassay
A current project of interest involves the coupling of capillary electrophoresis and immunoassay for the analysis of pesticides. Novel antibodies with specificity for environmental pollutants, such as the triazine pesticides, are used as model systems to further explore the feasibility and optimization of reversible antibody binding, release, and separation on a CE capillary. Fundamental studies are conducted to elucidate the interactions between antibodies raised against low molecular weight environmental toxins and the factors that control antibody selectivity, binding affinity, cross-reactivity and stability in complex matrices. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltametry, atomic force microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are some methods used to probe interactions between surface-bound antibody and analyte under variable solution conditions. These tools and approaches also will be exploited in the development of biosensors for the assay of trace amounts of biological and synthetic analyte present in the manufacturing, clinical and agricultural industries.
Updated October 2010
Shelley A. Harris, Paul J. Villeneuve, Charlene D. Crawley, James E. Mays, Roger A. Yeary, Kirk A. Hurto, and John D. Meeker, National Study of Exposure to Pesticides among Professional Applicators: An Investigation Based on Urinary Biomarkers. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2010, 58, 10253-10261.
Moumakwa, B.A.; Crawley, C.D.; Purich, E.; Edinboro, L.; Karnes, H.T., Use of capillary electrophoresis in drug quality assessment of synthetic porcine secretin. Biomedical Chromatography 2005, 19, 68-79.
Corry, B.; Uilk, J.; Crawley, C., Probing direct binding affinity in electrochemical antibody-based sensors. Analytica Chimica Acta2003, 496, 103-116.
Little, M.K.; Crawley, C.D., On-line pre-concentration of atrazine by antibody immobilization capillary electrophoresis. Analytica Chimica Acta 2002, 464, 25-35.
Updated: 01/19/2012 |
