University of Hull, Archibald Group

Q: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LAB’S RESEARCH?

A: As part of the Archibald research group our main research area is developing radiopharmaceutical compounds for medical imaging and targeted protein binding molecules for therapeutic applications.

Specifically, I am working on synthesising radiotracers to target the CXCR4 chemokine receptor which has been shown to be overexpressed in 23 different types of cancer.

Q: WHY DID YOU INCORPORATE THE EXPRESSION CMS INTO YOUR LABORATORY?

A: The expression CMS was purchased as we are a large research group and it is more cost and time effective to be able to carry out rapid MS analysis in situ for some sample and to use the University’s analytical service only for more complex analyses that are less time sensitive. The expression CMS fits nicely onto the bench top, performs all the functions needed for general day to day use, and is easy to use and maintain.

Q: HOW DO YOU USE THE EXPRESSION CMS?

A: We use the expression CMS to monitor chemical reactions, check for by-products and gauge the purity of our products. We have the TLC-MS interface which is extremely useful in identifying compounds straight from the TLC plate. Personally, I have used the expression CMS to examine fractions from a column to identify exactly when my product was being eluted, which would not have been possible previously. Purchasing the expression CMS has undoubtedly saved our group a great deal of time and has helped advance our research.