Top: PDA chromatogram at 280 nm absorbance (the large peak at 3.7 min is caffeine). Bottom Left: ESI mass spectrum of (-)-epicatechin. Bottom Right: MS/MS on (-)-epicatechin [M+H]+ adduct ion
So recently I wrapped up the undergraduate Chemistry A.C.S degree program over at Central Connecticut State University. The picture you see (above) shows some of the results from a really cool project I worked on the last couple of months; I couldn’t think of a better way to finish off my chemistry training.
I developed an LC-MS/MS method for identifying and quantifying flavanols in tea samples. (This was done as part of an instrumental analysis course designed to expose students to analytical chemistry before graduate school.)
Flavanols are antioxidant compounds found in tea leaves, and current scientific literature has established tentative health benefits to their dietary consumption. The above screenshot was taken on a sample of “Salada - Original Black” tea that I brought into the lab from my kitchen. In the above picture, the Xcalibur subpanes are highlighting mass spectrometry data from (-)-epicatechin.
Again, how cool is this?
I paid around $2,100 for this class and I am 100% certain that I got my money’s worth. On top of the high quality, one-on-one instruction, I received training on state of the art instrumentation… And in addition to mastery of the lecture material, I got to characterize my current morning tea :)
Above: My current morning oatmeal and tea stash.