Laboratory of Bioanalytical Instrumentation
prof. Mgr. Jan Preisler, Ph.D.
The research mission is to develop instrumentation and methods for faster and more sensitive bioanalysis. We use mass spectrometry for imaging of biological tissues, capillary electrophoresis coupled to either mass spectrometry or laser-induced fluorescence for separations. We are also interested in bioanalytical applications of nanoparticles.
Laboratory of Luminescence Methods
doc. Mgr. Petr Táborský, Ph.D.
The research group is currently involved in a number of research projects with interdisciplinary character on the frontiers of analytical, medicinal, and physical chemistry and biochemistry. Except for the luminescence spectroscopy, we also deal with various spectroscopic, microscopic, and separation techniques.
Laboratory of Analytical Coordination and Supramolecular Chemistry
prof. RNDr. Přemysl Lubal, Ph.D.
The laboratory is engaged in physico-chemical study of thermodynamic and kinetic properties of macrocyclic ligands and their metal complexes as well as other supramolecular systems for their application in (bio)analytical and medicinal chemistry. Another important research direction is the development of chemosensors and sensor arrays for detection by optical and electroanalytical methods or the synthesis and application of nanoparticles for use in (bio)analytical chemistry. Finally, we also focus on innovation and didactics in analytical chemistry. These interdisciplinary research projects at the interface of analytical, coordination, physical chemistry as well as biochemistry are carried out in collaboration with research groups in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Atomic Spectroscopy Laboratory
prof. RNDr. Viktor Kanický, DrSc.
The research group focuses on fundamental research on the interaction of pulsed laser radiation with a sample for the purpose of introducing the sample into an inductively coupled plasma source with ion detection by mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) or optical emission spectrometry (LA-ICP-OES) and for the study and use of laser excited discharge in the atmosphere above the sample surface for optical emission spectrometry (LIBS). Analytical applications are based on the development of new, original methods using plasma spectrometry for the analysis of biological, geological and environmental materials and cultural heritage objects. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS), atomic emission spectrometry with an ICP source (ICP-OES), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRF) are used for elemental determinations ranging from major constituents to ultra-trace contents. Research topics include elemental imaging of biological tissues to monitor the effect of anticancer drugs (LA-ICP-MS), studying the use of metal nanoparticles for immunoassays (LA-ICP-MS), imaging the distribution of elements and isotopes in rocks and minerals for the study of geochemical processes (LA-ICP-MS, LIBS), development of software tools for spectral data processing and image generation, research and development of new methods for direct analysis of solid samples of geological materials and advanced technological materials (ED-XRF, LIBS, LA-ICP-MS). Research is also focused on sample digestion and conversion to the solution using advanced technologies (microwave digestion, induction melting) for ICP-OES, ICP-MS and AAS analysis and for sample preparation for solid state analysis (LA-ICP-MS, LIBS, ED-XRF). The basic research is focused on the study of the influence of laser ablation parameters on the aerosol particle distribution and vaporization in the plasma with implications for element and isotope fractionation, as well as on the study of ablated surface properties including roughness and nanoparticle coverage on aerosol distribution and analytical signal. LIBS is being studied as a new method for nanoparticle immunoassay to study the bioaccumulation of nanoparticles and quantum dots in plants. Contamination of Antarctic biotic and abiotic samples is studied using atomic absorption and fluorescence spectrometry.
Separation Methods Laboratory
doc. RNDr. Jiří Urban, Ph.D.
The research group develop new separation methods suitable for the targeted analysis of low- and high-molecular compounds. They use polymer-based stationary phases allowing tailored and controlled surface modification. They also focus on development of new instrumental setups for multidimensional separations of complex samples.