Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is increasingly applied in studies of metabolites because it is arguably one of the most powerful methods for obtaining structural and dynamic information in complex mixtures. Comprehensively monitoring the patterns of metabolites can be useful to both the analysis of underlying metabolite networks (e.g. the responses to the changing environment or the presence of stress, pest or disease) and as metabolite fingerprinting approaches (e.g., to confirm a food product’s authenticity or to demonstrate lack of potentially toxic adulteration [1]). One exciting possibility to further improve the value of NMR-based metabolomics - which is still lacking sensitivity compared to conventional mass spectrometry approaches - is to take advantage of photo-chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarisation (photo-CIDNP [2]), where observed NMR signal intensities of aromatic compounds in the presence of a photosensitiser are modulated and often significantly increased upon illumination. We recently proposed and patented the new way of illuminating NMR samples in situ using LEDs (NMRtorch approach [3,4]), leading to photo-CIDNP enhancements exceeding those obtained using lasers, while allowing for potentially much higher sample throughput, and even automation.
The aim of the proposed project is to explore the use of photo-CIDNP for studies of aromatic metabolites, initially for the purpose of fingerprinting and authentication of plant-based liquid food products, such as grape juice or wine, and then extending it to other metabolomics systems such as biological fluids, for example for identifying and monitoring metabolite biomarkers associated with health and disease.
The grape and wine expertise and samples will be provided by the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI). Dr Markus Herderich, who is a group leader at AWRI and an Affiliated Professor at the University of Adelaide, will act as an external co-supervisor. Dr Herderich and AWRI are developing and providing access to metabolomics technologies under the Australian Government funded National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) and have significant expertise in a broad range of metabolomics approaches and technologies [5]. The AWRI will provide the opportunity for a short student placement in their labs in Australia (https://metabolomics.awri.com.au/).
The student will be trained in advanced skills - developing and integrating NMR spectrometer and NMRtorch hardware, in NMR experimental setup and pulse sequence programming, photo-NMR experiments, computer programming, statistical data analysis of metabolomics data, including the software package GNAT. NMR theory training will be additionally provided within the regular ongoing teaching seminar series in the NMR Methodology Group.
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/a.golovanov.html
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/mathias.nilsson.html
http://nmr.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/
https://chemistrycommunity.nature.com/posts/shining-a-light-on-chemistry-with-the-nmrtorch
https://metabolomics.awri.com.au/
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How To Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on eligibility how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/bbsrc-dtp/
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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