Direct analysis ion mobility mass spectrometry for rapid profiling of edible fats and oils to combat food adulteration

Background

Food safety and authenticity are generally taken for granted, yet food adulteration is one of the most significant challenges faced in the UK, with the total impact of food crime on the UK estimated to be between £409 million and £1.96 billion per year [Food Standards Agency, 2023]. Edible fats and oils are among the most adulterated foods, and the need for rapid, robust, reliable, and sustainable analytical techniques to assess the integrity of these essential ingredients for religious, commercial, health and environmental reasons has never been more necessary.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a major analytical technology with strategic importance in all aspects of molecular science and is critical to any well-founded analytical laboratory. The ability to characterise individual molecules from within complex mixtures is a particular strength of this measurement science. Direct analysis ionisation can circumvent lengthy chromatographic separations, generate the high throughput sample capacity required; ion mobility separation mass spectrometry delivers key analytical information, giving us molecular formulae and 3-dimensional molecular structure (cross section).

The aim of this project is to use a range of direct analysis ion mobility mass spectrometry techniques to profile the chemical components of the authentic and unknown edible fats and oils.

Objectives

This project will take advantage of recent instrumentation developments in direct analysis ionisation and also in ion mobility separation mass spectrometry to develop high-throughput analytical methods for the non-targeted analysis of edible fats and oils. This approach will (i) generate rapid, robust and more environmentally friendly analytical methodology than traditional approaches; (ii) be compared with established LC MS/MS approaches to identify and quantify lost features; (iii) be validated using authenticated samples to build a database containing mass, charge, shape, size, and relative abundance of sample components, including isomers; (iv) compare authentic, known adulterated and unknown samples to determine authenticity; (v) combine of manual data interrogation with next generation metabolomics software tools.

Experimental approach

Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) ionisation and Atmospheric pressure Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP) ionisation are both available within the Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry, along with three different types of high performance ion mobility separation enabled mass spectrometers. Measurements from different instrumental configurations will be used to cross validate samples and techniques. The absence of any sample preparation will further speed up the whole analytical process, eliminate the need to involve solvents and thus minimise environmental impact of the overall method.

Novelty

The inclusion of authenticated reference samples and the measurement of their collisional cross sections adds a new analytical dimension to the direct analysis, which, in the absence of chromatographic retention time, provides a different yet unique molecular characteristic. This project will begin with the study of fats and oils, and through the Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry, methodology will be developed to profile other at-risk foods, food degradation products and biological metabolites.

Training will be provided in all aspects of advanced fundamental and practical mass spectrometry, chromatography, and sample preparation. Alongside this, approaches for data processing and data interpretation, robust experimental design, and validation in line with fit-for-purpose targets will be put into effect. A student working on this project will be expected to prepare papers for publication in peer reviewed journals, present their data at National and International conferences, and educate and train fellow students or visitors/collaborators in the methods they develop.

You will follow our core cohort-based training programme to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills, as well as training on specific techniques and equipment. Training includes employability and professionalism, graduate teaching assistant training and guidance on writing papers. https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/training/idtc/idtctraining/  

There will be opportunities for networking and sharing your work both within and beyond the University. Funding is provided to enable you to attend conferences and external training. The department also runs a varied and comprehensive seminar programme.

Equality and Diversity

The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students.  The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/

As part of our commitment to Equality and Diversity, and Widening Participation, we are working with the YCEDE project (https://ycede.ac.uk/) to improve the number of under-represented groups participating in doctoral study.  

Entry requirements 

You should hold or expect to achieve the equivalent of at least a UK upper second class degree in Chemistry or a relevant related subject.   Check the entry requirements for your country: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/international/your-country/

English language requirements: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/international/english/

For more information about the project, click on the supervisor's name above to email them. 

For more information about the application process or funding, please click on email institution.

Guidance for applicants: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/apply/

Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3