Research within the Anderson Group focuses on all areas of separation science and sample preparation. We are specifically interested in employing and understanding the role that ionic liquids (ILs) and polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) play in chromatographic separations and sample preparation, particularly microextraction-based techniques. In addition, we are interested in synthesizing new classes of ILs and PILs for targeted applications within the fields of analytical and bioanalytical chemistry. Since the majority of the IL/PIL materials we employ in our studies are not readily commercially available, developing synthetic approaches to produce these materials is a major thrust within our group. The Anderson Group collaborates with a number of academic research groups in Europe, South America, North America, and Asia. We also work closely with numerous industrial collaborators as we strive to develop separation/sample preparation methodologies that can solve challenging industrial problems.
My research group is currently exploring the following four areas of research:
(1) Synthesis and application of magnetic ionic liquids in nucleic acid extraction and analysis
(2) Developing analytical tools and methodologies for the analysis of genotoxic impurities in active pharmaceutical ingredients
(3) Design of polymeric ionic liquid-based sorbent coatings for solid-phase microextraction
(4) Developing high-stability and selective ionic liquid-based stationary phases for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography