Dr. Yinfa Ma

UMR Chemistry

Research Interests

This group conducts researches in the area of bioanalysis and bioseparations. We have focused on precancer screening for the past several years and will continue research projects in this area for the years to come. Precancer screening in single molecular level is our eventual goal. The main goal of our research is to develop new instruments and new procedures for precancer screening and other bioanalysis. Our research mainly involves the analysis of DNAs, proteins, peptides, amino acids, micronutrients and other biological compounds by use of HPLC, gel electrophoresis, high performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE), HPLC-MS, CE-MS and single molecular detection and single molecule immunoassay of single DNA and protein molecules. In addition, our research also involves applications of laser spectroscopy to above separation methods. Handling of biological compounds, cell and tissue cultures, standard "wet" chemistry, and extensive use of personal computer for data collection and data processing are essential for our research. Understanding of knowledge of optical spectroscopy will be crucial for students who involve single molecule detections. Current on-going research projects are as following:
1. Development of biomakers as fingerprints for early cancer detection

2. Single molecule and single cell imaging to investigate the cytotoxicity of toxins, including nanomaterials, and interactions between cell membrane glycoproteins and toxin molecules through using dual images of toxin molecules and cells.

3. HPLC-MS study of alteration of glycosylation of membrane glycoproteins during initial cancer development

4. New anticancer drug development, toxicity assay and mechanism study by collaborating with professors in Chemistry and Biological Science at UMR

Above researches collaborate with many other professors at different research fields in USA and overseas