Biomarker and Analytical Chemistry Core

Project Summery / Abstract: Biomarker and Analytical Chemistry Core The PSU TCORS includes the three major interdisciplinary projects, pilot projects and educational activities that will rely heavily on the use of analytical laboratory measurements for the assessment of tobacco products and biomarkers analyses for the assessment of the effects of tobacco-related exposures on tobacco product users and laboratory animal models of tobacco related harm. To support these activities, the Biomarkers and Analytical Chemistry Core (BAC) will play a pivotal role. The BAC was established in 2013 as part of our original TCORS and, since that time, has continued to support the Center activities by providing expertise for study design, sample processing and analyses of tobacco products and related biomarkers, methods development and data interpretation. We plan to continue with these activities to meet the needs of the research to be conducted in the main and pilot project of the current proposal. As such, the BAC focuses on the use of analytical chemistry and clinical chemistry methodologies supported by a strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry. The BAC activities will include the use of standardized analytical techniques and instrumentation as well as the development of new analytical methods and design of novel instrumentation for use with new and emerging tobacco products. In addition to supporting the research mission, the BAC will also play a key role in the educational activities of the Center in collaboration with the Career Enhancement Core by providing mentorship and training for TCORS postdoctoral scholars and teaching a 3-credit course on the use of tobacco biomarkers (PHS 684 Biomarkers in Tobacco Research). The BAC will support the three major projects, pilot projects, and educational activities by focusing on 8 specific aims. These include (1) measurement of toxic and carcinogenic agents in tobacco products and their resulting smoke/aerosols; (2) maintenance of experimental smoking laboratories with the capability of machine smoking/vaping a wide variety of tobacco products for chemical analysis or animal exposure studies; (3) quantification of biomarkers in biological samples from animal or clinical studies; (4) assessment of physical and chemical characteristics of tobacco products; (5) preparation of synthetic standards required for chemical analyses; (6) processing and archival of biological samples; (7) development of new methods and instrumentation for assessing tobacco- derived agents in new and emerging products; and (8) training of TCORS investigators on the measurement and use of biomarkers and their interpretation from both a research and regulatory perspective.