| Luis A. Colón Associate Professor University at Buffalo • B.S., University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (1981) |
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| Micro-chemical analysis, capillary electrophoresis, capillary liquid chromatography, capillary electrochromatography, and non-invasive methodology for clinical analysis/diagnosis Research interests include: micro/nano-chemical analysis, capillary electrophoresis and electrochromatography, Liquid chromatography, chromatographic stationary phases, bioanalytical chemistry Ongoing efforts in our laboratory focus on column technology for liquid chromatography since it is within the column that the chromatographic processes take place, making the column the “heart” of the separation system. We use sol-gel processing to synthesize chromatographic stationary phases, particularly for HPLC. New silica based organic-inorganic hybrid composites as well as metal oxide from the group IV of the periodic table are being studied as chromatographic support materials. We are investigating the physicochemical characteristics of these materials and how such characteristics influence chemical separations. A fundamental understanding of chromatographic materials is critical to assess the intermolecular interactions governing the separation process, leading to the tailoring of phases with desired chromatographic properties. Our materials are synthesized in different formats suitable for HPLC, such as particulates, thin films, and monolithic structures. For example, we have synthesized organo-silica nanoparticles to explore the limits of particle size and their potential use in capillary electrochromatography and capillary HPLC. Monoliths of hafnia, zirconia, and silica hybrids are also under investigation. The use of small particle sizes has led to research in the area of ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography (pressures as high as 50,000 psi) Another particular area of study is the implementation of fast separation methodology with applicability to proteomics and high throughput analysis. We also use separation technologies to analyze samples of biological origin (e.g., saliva, transdermally collected samples, and tear fluid), exploring the potential of such fluids as a mean to sample chemical species suitable for clinical analysis/diagnosis. Our efforts on developing new methodology to analyze entities of biochemical interest (proteins, DNA, drugs, metal ion complexes, etc.) have impacts in many other areas (e.g., environmental, biomedical, pharmaceutical, etc.). In these areas, we are also exploring the use of nanoparticle technology and their bioconjugates for chemical analysis. |