Tracing the Origin of Organic Molecules Using Novel Isotopic Methods

Abstract:
The stable isotope ratios of light elements (13C/12C, 2H/1H, 18O/16O, 15N/14N) provide an invaluable way to trace the origin and history of a given sample, and as such are of great interest in several disciplines. While very informative, the current methods used for measuring isotope ratios can have limitations and do not always lead to clear conclusions. In the recent years, researchers have developed new approaches, named position-specific isotope analysis (PSIA), which allow an unprecedented level of understanding on a sample’s origin.
In this presentation I will introduce the concepts, methods and applications of PSIA, with a particular focus on how this could contribute to authentication and medical studies.

Language: English