Development of capillary electrophoresis methods for non-invasive diagnostics of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux is the most common upper gastrointestinal tract disorder that is highly prevalent worldwide with a prevalence of 10%-20% in the western world. Currently the diagnostic methods for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are all invasive and for instance the 24-hour intraluminal impedance – pH measurement is not well tolerated by majority of the diagnosed patients. Non-invasive samples of biological fluids, such as saliva and exhaled breath condensate are promising samples that could be used for detection and quantitation of selected biomarkers that will help in non-invasive diagnostics of GERD.
In this Ph.D. topic these non-invasive samples will be analyzed by selected capillary electrophoretic methods with the aim to identify relevant compounds that are able to distinguish the samples of GERD patients and healthy controls. The work will include the optimization of the sampling of saliva and exhaled breath condensate and subsequent analysis of selected biomarkers in these samples by capillary electrophoresis.

Applicants who wish to pursue a degree at the CEITEC PhD programme must hold the equivalent of a Master’s degree (MSc) in similar field (four or five year undergraduate degree). The application can be submitted before obtaining the Master’s degree, however, the applicant should obtain the degree within five month after the application deadline.

All general enquiries should be directed to Olga Krizova ([Email Address Removed]). Scientific inquiries can be addressed to the supervisor ([Email Address Removed]).