The Department of Chemistry Presents, via Online and In-Person Presentation: Robert T. Kennedy, Ph.D., Chair, Chemistry Department, Hobart Willard Distinguished University Professor, Professor of Chemistry, Pharmacology, Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan

Manipulating samples as droplets within microfluidic devices has emerged as an interesting approach for chemical analysis and screening. In segmented flow, one embodiment of this technology, nanoliter samples are manipulated in microfluidic channels as plugs separated by an immiscible fluid, such as air or fluorinated oil. These plugs serve as miniature test-tubes in which reactions can be performed at high throughput. Microfluidic tools have been developed to split, dilute, extract, and filter such plugs at rates >10 samples/s. We have developed methods to analyze plug content by mass spectrometry (MS). A natural application of this technology is for high throughput experimentation. By coupling droplet manipulation with MS detection, it is possible to greatly reduce reagent consumption and eliminate the need for fluorescent labels or coupled reactions. One area where we have applied this technology is for catalyst discovery. Biocatalysts can be developed by screening enzyme variants to identify active enzymes for a given reaction. Similarly, traditional organic catalysts require extensive exploration of reaction conditions and substrates to develop. We have developed droplet based approaches to decrease the time required to develop such catalysts using droplet-MS. Droplet technology can also be used for chemical monitoring or sensing applications. In this approach samples emerging from a miniaturized sampling device are segmented for later analysis. We have used this method to monitor neurotransmitter dynamics in the brain. The technology and application to studies of neurotransmission will be demonstrated.

BIO

Robert Kennedy is the Hobart H. Willard Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan. He earned a PhD at University of North Carolina in 1988 where his work focused on using open tubular LC to analyze single cells. After a post-doc in neuroscience he started his own research program at University of Florida in 1991 before moving to University of Michigan as the Hobart H. Willard Professor of Chemistry in 2002. His research has combined his interest in biology with chemical analysis, separations and microfluidics. A theme of his group has been development of new chemical analysis tools that can be used at the nanoscale for several applications including screening of drugs, engineering enzymes, monitoring neurotransmitters in the brain, and studying the secretion of insulin and other hormones. Key technical areas including ultra high pressure LC, droplet microfluidics, and mass spectrometry. His work has been recognized by several awards including the American Chemical Society Award in Chromatography, the Ralph Adams Award in Bioanalytical Chemistry, and two NIH MERIT awards. He has held several service posts including Department Chair and is presently Associate Editor of Analytical Chemistry and ACS Measurement Science Au.

Areas of Interest

Regulation of the secretion of neurotransmitters and hormones in both central nervous and endocrine systems.  We are also developing novel approaches to high-throughput drug screening.

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