Excellent Doctorate with Looping Plasma Even as a student, Dr Sebastian Brandt found it difficult to decide on just one natural science. After studying physics at TU Dortmund University, he joined ISAS for his master’s thesis. That was followed by his doctorate, which he completed in March 2021 with the distinction summa cum laude. As part of the Miniaturisation working group, the 31-year-old is using his research to build a bridge between physics, chemistry and bioanalytics. The physicist optimises and miniaturises plasma-based ionisation sources. In analytical chemistry, they are commonly used to prepare samples, for example for the analysis with a mass spectrometer. When Brandt first encountered common ionisation methods and
Dr Sebastian Brandt was awarded summa cum laude for his dissertation on the Flexible Microtube Plasma.
dielectrically impeded discharges used for ionisation, he immediately thought: “There has to be a better way!” During his doctorate at ISAS, Brandt worked on a new, powerful ionisation source. The result is the Flexible Microtube Plasma (FµTP), which, in combination with a nano-electrospray, initially combines sample delivery and ionisation in one setup. The FµTP, also known as looping plasma in the working group, is highly miniaturised, but robust and versatile. It is also compatible with various discharge gases such as argon, nitrogen or helium. Complex samples with numerous analytes like cholesterol can be analysed safely and efficiently with the FµTP.
which goes far beyond the pure physical characterisation of the FµTP.”
What’s next? After his doctorate, there is still plenty for Brandt to do at ISAS: he is currently working on integrating the FµTP onto a microchip to refine the technology. When he is not conducting research at the institute, Brandt is enthusiastic about 3D printing in his spare time. He has already been able to apply his knowledge in that area at ISAS: Brandt and his colleagues produced a complete ion mobility spectrometer (► p. 27) using 3D printing.
The subject of Brandt’s dissertation is not only the
(CMP)
development of the FµTP, but also the particular manufacturing process. His doctoral supervisor, PD Dr Joachim Franzke, calls Brandt a 180 per cent guy: “His dedication reflects the quality and scope of his work,
Junior scientists
Miniaturisation Research Group PD Dr Joachim Franzke T: +49 (0)231 1392-174/199 E: joachim.franzke@isas.de
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