Project Summary (2011-2018)

The Chemistry and Analytical Core of the UNC-CH Superfund Research Program is a research support Core that provides analytical support to the research projects and synthesis, purification and characterization of chemicals that are not available commercially or that can be cost-effectively prepared in-house in bulk quantities. The Chemistry Core offers particular expertise in preparation of standards and internal standards labeled with stable isotopes (15N, 13C, 2H) that allow development of assays using mass spectrometric techniques for highly specific and highly sensitive identification and quantitation. The goals of the Chemistry and Analytical Core follow closely the aims and accomplishments of the individual research projects, and thus will evolve in response to research needs. The overall specific aims of the Chemistry and Analytical Core include:

1. Provide advice and consultation on analytical methodology and chemical handling. The Core provides advice on analytical method development including appropriate choice of analytes, instrumentation and standards.
2. Develop analytical methodology, including gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, for detection and quantitation of parent compounds, degradation products, metabolites and macromolecular adducts.
3. Provide service in carrying out routine assays for detection and measurement by quantitative spectroscopy and mass spectrometry of PAH, PAH metabolites, PCBs, oxidative damage, and macromolecular adducts.
4. Prepare novel and rare chemicals, including isotopically-labeled chemicals. The Chemistry Core devises synthetic routes and offers advice and guidance for SRP researchers wishing to undertake syntheses and product purification with their own personnel, or carry out the entire preparation as needed.
5. Analysis and structural identification of unknown degradation products, metabolites and macromolecular adducts. The Chemistry Core offers expertise in interpretation of spectral data in support of structural elucidation.