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Chemistry - Student Works

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14078/49

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Browsing Chemistry - Student Works by Author "Mugo, Samuel"

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    Manufacturing antimicrobial silver-coated wound dressings: chemistry practicum with Exciton Technologies
    (2023) Anderson, Alyceea; Miller, Steven; Mugo, Samuel
    Antibiotic resistance and the prevalence of superbugs have become a global concern as it is increasing at a rapid rate which threatens our ability to treat common infections and leads to more difficult-to-treat infections. Exciton Technologies is a manufacturing and research company with a focus on higher oxidative state silver as a cost-effective solution to prevent infection and the spread of disease. As part of the Chemistry Internship Practicum (CHEM 497), from January 2023 - April 2023, I interned at Exciton Technologies. My position at Exciton was as a Quality Control analyst. In this presentation, I will highlight my work as a QC analyst, which includes: work in quality control laboratory functions, which involved performing standard analytical laboratory work following standard operating procedures, handling samples and running tests, documenting, reporting, and interpreting results, and maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the lab. I will also highlight the technical skills that I've acquired, which includes: calibrating and verifying laboratory instruments, techniques to properly use these instruments and troubleshoot these instruments, how to perform a variety of analytical tests and interpret the results from these tests, the mathematics and statistics necessary to complete reports and update control charts, good documentation skills and record keeping, how to make workplace labels, how to properly use spill kits, proper disposal of waste, how to properly store chemicals and solutions. The professional skills that I've developed include self-management, time management, communication skills (verbal and written), teamworking, planning and organization, and eagerness to learn and improve.
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    Quantification of Escherichia coli via analysis of β-glucuronidase enzyme concentrations
    (2017) Andersen, Brody; Mugo, Samuel
    Concentration of Escherichia coli can be quantified based on a digestive enzyme produced by 97% of E. coli strains called β-glucuronidase (β-GUS). When in contact with a β-glucuronide (β-GLU) molecule, the enzyme cleaves the β-GLU segment off the molecule, leaving the remaining fragment untouched. The remaining fragment can serve as a marker for the presence of the enzyme and can be quantifiably calibrated to determine the concentration of the E. coli in each sample. For a colourimetric method approach, 4-nitrophenol-β-D-glucuronide (4-NβDg) can be used as a dye for the enzyme. The remainder of the molecule after enzymatic cleavage is a 4-nitrophenol, which is blue in colour. The change in colour can be quantified based on a calibration curve. For an electrochemical method approach, 4-NβDg can also be used because 4-nitrophenol gives a characteristic cyclic voltammogram on a potentiostat. The change in resistance of 4-nitrophenol can be determined and calibrated to show the concentration of the E. coli in each sample. This research is ongoing and does not have the finalized results on the outcome of the work described above. Additional information can be provided as necessary.
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    Quantification of Escherichia coli via analysis of β-glucuronidase enzyme concentrations
    (2017) Andersen, Brody; Mugo, Samuel
    Concentration of Escherichia coli can be quantified based on a digestive enzyme produced by 97% of E. coli strains called β-glucuronidase (β-GUS). When in contact with a β-glucuronide (β-GLU) molecule, the enzyme cleaves the β-GLU segment off the molecule, leaving the remaining fragment untouched. The remaining fragment can serve as a marker for the presence of the enzyme and can be quantifiably calibrated to determine the concentration of the E. coli in each sample. For a colourimetric method approach, 4-nitrophenol-β-D-glucuronide (4-NβDg) can be used as a dye for the enzyme. The remainder of the molecule after enzymatic cleavage is a 4-nitrophenol, which is blue in colour. The change in colour can be quantified based on a calibration curve. For an electrochemical method approach, 4-NβDg can also be used because 4-nitrophenol gives a characteristic cyclic voltammogram on a potentiostat. The change in resistance of 4-nitrophenol can be determined and calibrated to show the concentration of the E. coli in each sample. This research is ongoing and does not have the finalized results on the outcome of the work described above. Additional information can be provided as necessary.