Our lab practices both chemistry and biology to solve environmental health problems. We are equipped for molecular biology, organic synthesis, and electrochemistry to determine the interrelationships among structure, dosimetry, and cell activity. Current research is briefly described below.

Molecular dosimetry of human exposure to vinyl monomers (VM). Where GC-MS left off, monoclonal antibody (MAb) assay rises to the task of looking for the needle in a haystack. As part of an epidemiological study of synthetic rubber workers' exposure to VM like acrylonitrile (AN), we have converted its major metabolites into synthetic antigens, and used them to raise hybridoma for producing monoclonal antibodies.

Nickel carcinogenesis and speciation: Nickel is typical of heavy metal occupational hazards. We are using voltammetry to determine nickel species in body fluids, and have discovered a new resonance-controlled electrode reaction akin to NMR in identifying metal species. Also, E. coli phage induction and mammalian cell cultures are used to study species-dose-level- genoactivity.

New nonmammalian model system: a hybrid of physicochemical methods and cell culture. The trend is to replace animal testing. An electrochemical method is used to monitor surface potential and current of microbes under various conditions of growth. A pulsing near-infrared source is used to transduce signals in cells for stimulating and inhibiting effects. New therapeutic protocols or assay methods are expected from this hybrid approach.
 

Epidemiology of Vinyl Monomers: Indicators of Health Risk of Acrylonitrile by Worker Surveillance and Regiospecific Modification
of Ha-Ras Oncogene with Acrylonitrile Epoxide
J. L. Wong , B. Yuan, P. Zhang, and C. H. Tamburro
Molecular  Advances in Chem., 1994, 0000, 241