Date of Award
8-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Christopher Chouinard
Committee Member
Dr. Kenneth Marcus
Committee Member
Dr. Daniel Whitehead
Abstract
Bile acids are an essential part of the human digestion system and play an important role in lipid absorption, bacteria movement in the small intestine, and regulation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G protein-coupled bile acid receptors (GPBAR) responsible for homeostasis. They are synthesized in the liver, stored in the gallbladder and the excess is carried on to the small intestine. Many liver and intestinal diseases are diagnosed based on bile acid metabolism pathways and the structures of those bile acids. Therefore, the bile acid structure determines the function of the molecule. Many bile acids are similar in structure and only differ by an orientation of a hydroxyl or other group. This difference can be the key to diagnosing a patient with a lifechanging disease.
In analytical chemistry, ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) is used to measure the difference in size and shape of the molecules by calculating the collision cross-section (CCS). In this study, we aim to analyze different bile acids using Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations (SLIM) ion mobility and comparing nitrogen and helium buffer gas to determine the best method of separation. The calculated CCS values were analyzed to determine trends that would accurately identify these bile acids.
Additionally, this method will be applied to test a clinical assay for its sensitivity. A concentration study will be performed on specific bile acids that are used in the total bile acid test to be applied in clinical settings. This test is important to improve patients’ diagnosis and have quicker results than the typical laboratory test. The goal is to increase scientific knowledge of ion mobility in the clinical field, not only to further biological analysis, but also to enhance clinical care around the world.
Recommended Citation
Efird, Emmaleigh D., "High-Resolution Ion Mobility Analysis of Isomeric Bile Acids Using Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations (SLIM) IM-MS" (2024). All Theses. 4373.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4373