| 2004 |
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YEAR BOOK |
Waterford Institute of Technology
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Separation Science Research Group (SSRG)
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In 2001 a research group focused on separation science was established at WIT. Establishment of this research group was facilitated through funding under the Technological Sector Research Strand III (Core research strengths enhancement 2000�2006) initiative.
The SSRG is housed in a new laboratory space unveiled on the Institute's Cork Road campus in May 2003 during a seminar addressed by postgraduate researchers from the Institute, as well as academics from Ireland, the UK and the US.
Separation science involves the use of techniques to facilitate the separation, purification and analysis of complex mixtures of chemical and biological compounds. These separation techniques are of fundamental importance to a wide range of industries � including the pharmaceutical, food, and biotechnology sectors.
Research investigations include the development of novel stationary and mobile phases for pharmaceutical purification and analysis. The use of novel molecularly imprinted polymers as selective media has been successfully demonstrated 1 . The development of novel capillary electrophoresis methodologies, which facilitate highly efficient separations with reduced solvent usage, has also been demonstrated 2 . The use of chiral separations coupled to GC�GCMS has also facilitated the development/investigation of novel bioremediation methodologies 3 .
As well as peer reviewed publications, outcomes from the SSRG have been presented at national and international conferences. Research collaborators include partners in the UK and China, as well as supporting industries such as Merck Sharp & Dohme (Ireland) Ltd, IVAX and Aventis Pharma Waterford.
References
1. Olwill A., McLoughlin P., Hughes H., O'R�ordain M., Paper accepted for publication in Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2004.
2. Altria K.D., Broderick M., Donegan S., Power J., Electrophoresis, 2004, 25 , 645-652
3. Doran J., O'Reilly C. & Duggan P., Proceedings of SGM conference on Biocatalysis and Biodegradation at UCD, 4/5 September 2003.
Contact: Dr Peter McLoughlin; Tel: 00353 (0)51 302056; E-mail: [email protected]