Evaluation and implementation of methods to increase comprehensiveness of non-target analysis

The application of non-target analysis (NTA), a comprehensive approach to characterize unknown chemicals, including chemicals of emerging concern has seen a steady increase recently. Given the relative novelty of this type of analysis, robust quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) measures are imperative to ensure quality and consistency of results obtained using different workflows. Due to fundamental differences to established targeted workflows, new or expanded approaches are necessary; for example to minimize the risk of losing potential substances of interest (i.e. false negatives, Type II error). This project aims to investigate how different approaches (e.g. data processing methods), settings (e.g. data acquisition methods) and external factors (e.g. degradation of compounds) can influence the overall result of a non-target analysis and how this knowledge can be used to help NTA towards real comprehensiveness.

Bastian completed his Bachelor degree in 2017 at The University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands in the field of Biotechnology with a main focus on forensic sciences. He also holds a Master of Science from the University of Applied Sciences Aalen, Germany in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, which he completed in 2019. His PhD will now focus on non-target screening in combination with high resolution mass spectrometry.

Please note this is a PhD candidate Confirmation seminar.