Research interests

Main focus of our research is the use of vibrational spectroscopic detection for the development of new analytical methods that can successfully replace tedious classical methods.  For this several instruments are to our disposal, including  FT-NIR,  FT-IR, FT-Raman and Raman microscopy.

Chemometrics is an important tool in analytical spectroscopy. We have experience with multivariate calibration (PLS, PCR) and pattern recognition techniques like cluster analysis and SIMCA. We are also interested in more advanced chemometric tools like Two Dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy and Multivariate Curve Resolution. They are especially useful to exploit the large amount of information contained in 2-way data sets, that is, when a series of spectra is recorded per sample or experiment as a function of some master variable (time, concentration, pH, etc).
 

Oil analysis, with a main focus in olive oil and covering the whole production process , from raw material (olives) to the final product. Within this topic especial effort is devoted to determination of pesticide residues using  chromatographic techniques.

Development of flow-through optosensors. Based on direct measurement of a species retained on a solid support, these systems combine the advantages of flow systems (high throughput and automation) with a high selectivity and sensitivity.

Publications