Microdialysis with GC-FID detection
This research involves the use of microdialysis as a sampling tool and downstream Gas Chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis to probe chemical explanations for neurological disorders.
Project A: How can autism spectrum disorder be transferred
between individuals by only a fecal transplant?
90% of the children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also have gastrointestinal problems. We are interested in studying the contribution of the gut to the development of ASD, specifically we are interested in the role of short-chain fatty acids. It has been hypothesized that these molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier, into the brain, and alter neurochemistry. We will use microdialysis with gas chromatography and flame ionization detection coupled with electrochemical detection to test this hypothesis. The ultimate goal is to establish a causal relationship between the gut microbiome and the development of ASD.