Separation and Quantitation of Neurotransmitters via HPLC
Measure the abundance and variances in neurotransmitters under various biological conditions via high performance liquid chromatography.
Project description
Neurotransmitters carry chemical messages between neurons, from neurons to muscles, and from neurons to glands. These chemicals allow us to feel, move, maintain a heartbeat, and respond to our environment. In this project, the catecholamine class of neurotransmitters—which includes dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine—will be investigated. Catecholamines are involved in a wide range of physiological effects, including stress, sleep, attention, and memory. Beyond occurring naturally in the body, catecholamines are also prescribed as treatments for neural disorders and other diseases. For these reasons, accurate analysis of these biochemicals is required for clinical diagnoses, pharmaceutical formulations, and understanding neurological processes.
For this project, the student will work with two faculty members to develop analytical methods for both qualitatively and quantitatively measuring catecholamine levels via HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography), a system that allows for simultaneous analysis of multiple neurochemicals. Initially, studies will focus on separating these neurochemicals using reverse-phase chromatography (C18:acidic methanol:octanesulfonate) and an established fluorescent detector, with the immediate goal of installing an electrochemical detector (ECD) for enhanced signal detection. The student will be involved in setting up the new detector, generating calibration curves for accurate catecholamine quantitation, and determining the concentrations of catecholamines in prepared samples. The end goal is to determine fluctuations in catecholamine levels in the brains of rats that undergo various treatments or selected for specific biological characteristics.
Project outcome
The student will enter a thriving research program. This project is set up to produce at least one publication upon completion. Student will gain instrumental skills, including the setup of new instrumentation, proper calibration of an instrument, and care of the instrument.
Project details
| Length of commitment | About a semester |
| Start time | Spring |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-person |
| Level of collaboration | Individual student project |
| Benefits | Potential academic credit |
| Who is eligible | Juniors and seniors who have taken instrumental chemistry (Either MT 403, CHE 314/315, or CHE 413/414). |
Core partners
- Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences Instrumentation Facility
- Dr. Jinwoo Park’s Laboratory
Project mentor
Jill Paterson
Clinical Instructor
Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Phone: (716) 829-5185
Email: jkpaters@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. After you’re approved to begin the project, your mentor will send the relevant materials. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
- Complete an instrumental analysis course at UB.
- Read reviews determined by Dr. Paterson.
- Visit instrumentation core to familiarize yourself with the laboratory.
Keywords
biotechnology, clinical laboratory sciences, biological separations, hplc, neurotransmitters, medicine, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience