WP1: The first journal manuscript submitted for review under WP1 informs the scientific community about the discrepancies between techniques namely capillary electrophoresis and laser doppler velocimetry to measure electrophoretic mobility, a unique parameter acquired by both techniques, in order to discuss practical considerations in experimental design prior to analysis. This scientific article has been submitted for consideration in Electrophoresis, a second-quartile journal with an impact factor of 3.0 (2023), edited by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
The second journal manuscript submitted for review under WP1 reports results obtained after coupling CE to Orbitrap with the DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) ionization source. The data was achieved through CE-MS training at VU Amsterdam. This scientific article will submit for consideration in Analytical Chemistry, a first-quartile journal with an impact factor of 6.7 (2023), edited by American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications.
WP2: The fellow has produced one data set comparing the filtration of cross-flow method through a 20 nm membrane (Anodisc) and another 100 nm (Durapore). Results are expressed in quantification of Eu in the EuPS by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This scientific article will submit for consideration in Analytical Chemistry.
WP3: Closely related to this project is the work that GOAL group (Specialised Organic and Inorganic Analyses Laboratory) from VITO has done with undergraduate student Jasper Charlier from the University of Applied Sciences (UCLL). The research work study aims to explore a sonication assisted production method of nano particles using different types of plastic. One manuscript is now under development using the data collected. This scientific article will submit for consideration in Nano Express, a third-quartile journal with an impact factor of 2.7 (2023), edited by IOP Publishing. Another article is being written, analyzing the results of Tire Wear (TW) nanoparticles through various instrumental techniques such as: Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). This scientific article will submit for consideration in Analytica Chimica Acta, a first-quartile journal with an impact factor of 5.7 (2023), edited by Elsevier.
WP4: The fellow has received training in DLS and cross-flow filtration and vacuum chamber filtration with membranes. The establishment of networking opportunities has led to significant collaborations:
1. Firstly, an international collaboration with Professor Dr. Blanca Lapizco-Encinas from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), co-author of the first published research paper (see details in WP5).
2. Secondly, a collaboration was established with the CE discussion group of the Royal Netherlands Chemical Society (KNCV) of the Netherlands. The fellow attended their meetings twice as a listener and once as a speaker.
3. Thirdly, a collaboration with the Nano Microplastics Research Consortium (NMRC,
https://www.nmrc.com.au/(si apre in una nuova finestra)) led by Professor Dr. Melanie MacGregor from Flinders University (Adelaide, Australia). In this collaboration, VITO
participated as an agent for the exchange of information and research expertise. As a result of this collaboration, the fellow participated as a speaker at the 1st Nano & Microplastics Australian Conference. Additionally, Dr.
Melanie MacGregor delivered a lecture to the VITO staff.
Through these efforts, the fellow has become a visible member of the scientific community. As part of this community, the fellow strives to raise awareness about the use of single-use plastics and contribute to the global development of analytical methods for the rapid and precise analysis of NPs.
