The research project by co-PI's Dr. Susan M. Lunte, Dr. Kenneth L. Audus and Dr. Karen J. Nordheden from the University of Kansas entitled "Microanalytical Methods for the Investigation of Metabolism and Transport of Substance P" is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program. There are four specific aims in the proposal 1) Continued development in microchip based analysis. The emphasis will be toward on-line microdialysis with capillary electrophoresis and electrochemical detection (CEEC). 2) Monitoring nitric oxide (NO) release from microvessel endothelial cells in vivo using microdialysis and microchip CEEC. 3) Continued studies on the transport and metabolism of Substance P using copper complexation and electrochemical detection. 4) The development of a 2-dimensional microchip separation system. This system will be used for the preconcentration and analysis of substance P and other peptides.
Dr. Lunte has an established reputation for mentoring underrepresented groups and for integrating education and research. This research is multidisciplinary and will have significant impact on the fields of separation science, microchip based analyses, neurotransmission and neuroregulation. There is significant potential societal impact from this research related to follow-on medical advances.
