CAEHS Research Seminar
“Advanced Bioanalysis and Its Applications in Food Safety, Metabolomics and Beyond”
Presented by:
Qingbo Yang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Analytical Chemistry
Cooperative Research, Lincoln University of Missouri
Summary:
Dr. Yang is currently an assistant professor of analytical chemistry under Cooperative Research in the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences at Lincoln University of Missouri (LU). His research interests have long been focused on advanced bioanalysis and solving cutting-edge interdisciplinary problems. For instance, he studied the potential toxic effects of nanoparticles and revealed the underlying physicochemical mechanisms. He elucidated the mechanism of angiogenesis and bone regeneration by nano- and micro-bioactive glass fibers. His continued work on fiber optic sensor has obtained a US patent and promoted its application in single-cell research and biomedical sensing fields.
Since joined LU, Dr. Yang's group has been focusing on the development of advanced analytical methodology and technology in two major aspects: 1) portable and robust sensors with improved sensitivity and the ability to handle complex samples by incorporating machine learning algorithms, and 2) back-stage metabolomic methods via the state-of-the-art UHPLC-MS/MS systems. One quick application of the first endeavor is the development of the fiber-optic Raman sensor for detection of existing foodborne pathogens via sensing a panel of finger-print volatile organic compounds (VOCs) assisted by trained machine learning algorisms. Then, a good example of his second endeavor lies in his development of the cutting-edge metabolomic methods for elucidating the impacts of organic farming on the nutrition levels of elderberries. His short-term goal is to combine the front-end micro-sensors with the back-stage large instruments to provide an unprecedented approach of bioanalysis. His long-term goal is to innovate sensing principles and devices with ultra-sensitivity with substantial cost-effectiveness through advanced bionics and analytical chemistry, and thus to provide innovative analytical solutions with reliability and sustainability for food safety, nutrition evaluation, environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, and beyond.