The term 'molecular scatology' has normally been taken to mean the analysis of faecal DNA. Whilst this provides valuable information, there is considerable scope to extend the range of analyses, particularly to those that provide information at the phenotype level. The industrial partner, Waters Corporation (Micromass UK Ltd) are a world leading developer of advanced mass spectrometers, coupled with innovative 'front end' sources for sampling of a broad range of biological material. They are the sole supplier of the iKnife REIMS system that will be used in this programme. The student will complete part of their training at their state of the art R&D facilities in Wilmslow. The host institution and the CASE partner have already completed preliminary data that demonstrate the ease with which phenotypic data can be acquired, using a new sampling method (rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry; REIMS) that can generate complex mass spectral phenotypes from each sample in a matter of seconds, with no sample preparation being needed.

REIMS is the basis of the iKnife, a device that is based on analysis of the smoke produce by diathermy, the process whereby extreme heat is generated locally through high frequency voltages applied across a sample. The smoke that is generated has been demonstrated to have considerable chemical richness, and can be used to differentiate, for example, normal and tumour tissue. We have preliminary data that show that a REIMS-generated fingerprint can be used in multivariate analyses of rodent faecal material to differentiate groups of individuals, based on species or sex, and wish to consolidate these initial investigations using a REIMS installation in the labs of the academic partner, coupled to an advanced mass spectrometer.