Ruipu Mu Assistant Professor Chemistry Basic Sciences Ruipu.Mu@uhsp.edu Education Tianjin University, B.S. in Pharmacy University of Missouri-Rolla, Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry Specialty Dr. Ray (Ruipu) Mu is an expert with extensive experience in metabolite analysis across multiple research areas. His research encompasses several significant projects: • Hemp Terpenes: Investigating terpenes in hemp for potential anti-cancer properties using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). • Foodborne Pathogens: Developing rapid detection methods for foodborne pathogens. • Organic vs. Conventional Farming: Comparing nutrient and contaminant levels in elderberries to promote food safety. • Phytoremediation: Creating sustainable plant analysis methods for detecting battlefield contaminants. • Poison Ivy Dermoscopic Analysis: Identifying urushiol congeners in black-spot poison ivy. • Water Contaminants: Developing methods to assess emerging environmental contaminants' impact on human health and the environment. Current Research The realm of scientific research is an ever-evolving landscape, where inquiry and innovation converge to uncover solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. Within this dynamic arena, several distinct but interconnected projects have emerged, each contributing its unique thread to the tapestry of knowledge and progress. My laboratory is a hub of curiosity and ownership, where students learn to ask questions, challenge themselves, and adapt to various learning paces. My student-researchers expand their knowledge of scientific instrumental analysis, using technology that includes the HPLC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS instruments so that they can coherently collect information of metabolites, contaminants, nutrients from various samples for comprehensive analysis. We prioritize foundational knowledge, ensuring students are well-prepared for scientific exploration at UHSP. 1. High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Profiling on Hemp Terpenes and Their Anti-Cancer Properties: Industrial hemp is being studied for its potential application and therapeutic benefits in various fields, such as medicine, agriculture, environmental remediation, building materials, and biofuels. A number of different terpenes are found in multiple hemp varieties. These aromatic compounds not only give the plant its unique aroma and flavor, but also have potential medicinal and anti-cancer effects. In this study, we used high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to rapidly identify targeted (e.g., β-caryophyllene, limonene, and α-pinene, among others) and untargeted terpenes in hemp. We then investigated the bioactivities of a panel of selected terpenes on a human lung cancer cell line (A549) and a normal cell line (HEK 293). Specific anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects against cancer cells were observed, as well as distinct metabolomic fingerprints compared with the control groups. By using HRMS and in vitro tests we established a rapid, efficient, and cost-effective identification/evaluation protocol for terpene compounds in hemp crops which will potentially contribute to the current understanding of natural anti-cancer therapeutics. Further research is warranted to investigate the associated metabolomics and underlying mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of hemp terpenes. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of hemp terpenes as natural anti-cancer agents and could pave the way for the development of natural and non-toxic anti-cancer therapies as complementary approaches for the current cancer treatments. This work is supported by the USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant (CBG) as well as the USDA NIFA Evans-Allen grant, UHSP Faculty Research Incentive Fund (FRIF) and Student Research Incentive Fund (SRIF). 2. Rapid Identification of Foodborne Pathogens through High-Resolution Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds and Comprehensive Metabolomic Screening: Foodborne disease outbreaks increased nationwide in recent years, mainly due to the lack of efficient tools and methods for rapid, continuous, and cost-effective detection/monitoring of foodborne pathogens. Existing protocols such as agar plate culturing and PCR amplification– can take days or even weeks to reach any meaningful conclusions leading to delayed implementation of effective measures before contaminated foods being consumed by the public. Moreover, conventional method fails when pathogens enter a condition called “viable but non-culturable” (VBNC). To address these issues, we selected a panel of targeted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as rapid molecular fingerprints for specific types of foodborne pathogens, such as 3-methyl butanoic acid and 1-Indole for Escherichia coli (O157:H7), octanol for Salmonella typhimurium, (methyltrisulfanyl)methane for Listeria monocytogenes. By using the state-of-the-art ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), we successfully developed a comprehensive while rapid metabolomic analytical methods for both targeted VOC compounds and non-targeted metabolomic screening. Successfully implementation of these techniques significantly cut the time and complexity of the tests. Both qualitative and quantitative detection of representative targeted VOCs in a complex mixture with real food substrates has been achieved down to sub-ppb levels. In combination with machine learning (ML) algorithms, comprehensive metabolomic networks were established for accurate prediction of existing foodborne pathogens. Future development will be focused on the optimization of these instrumental methods for higher accuracy/efficiency, as well as integration of data interpretation in cooperation with a separately developed portable in situ olfactory sensor. This work is funded by the USDA NIFA Evans-Allen program under prime award number N1211445XXXXG005. 3. Organic vs. Conventional – A Quantitative Nutrition/Contaminants Profiling Case Study on Elderberries: Organic farming is an agricultural method that prioritizes natural processes over synthetic inputs, avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, or other artificial substances. Instead, it emphasizes sustainable farming practices by utilizing natural fertilizers, biological pest control made from plant or animal waste, and organic manure. Organic farming is associated with healthier and safer produce, as it avoids the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals on both the environment and human health. However, the effectiveness of organic farming may be limited if Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are not followed. Therefore, promoting GAPs alongside organic techniques and providing producers with measurable data may be crucial for ensuring food safety, particularly in underserved communities. This pilot project aimed to investigate the significance of GAPs in organic farming by comparing the nutrient levels and contaminant residues in elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) grown with or without GAPs, both in organic and non-organic (conventional) farming. The samples were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to screen for various nutrients and contaminants. The data obtained was processed using industry-standard software packages with advanced features for peak detection, compound identification, quantification, and statistical analysis. Preliminary findings suggest that implementing GAPs is crucial for achieving expected nutrient quality and concentration in both organic and conventionally grown elderberries. The detailed results will be presented at the upcoming ACS Meeting. This study highlights the potential benefits of promoting GAPs in conjunction with organic farming practices to improve food safety and address health disparities. This work is supported by the USDA NIFA Evans-Allen program under Prime Award number N1211445XXXXG005, UHSP Faculty Research Incentive Fund (FRIF) and Student Research Incentive Fund (SRIF). Interesting Facts Dr. Mu spends so many hours with MassSpec that they start to form a bond that rivals most human relationships. Favorite color: Thymol Blue
Tianjin University, B.S. in Pharmacy
University of Missouri-Rolla, Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry
Dr. Ray (Ruipu) Mu is an expert with extensive experience in metabolite analysis across multiple research areas. His research encompasses several significant projects:
• Hemp Terpenes: Investigating terpenes in hemp for potential anti-cancer properties using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).
• Foodborne Pathogens: Developing rapid detection methods for foodborne pathogens.
• Organic vs. Conventional Farming: Comparing nutrient and contaminant levels in elderberries to promote food safety.
• Phytoremediation: Creating sustainable plant analysis methods for detecting battlefield contaminants.
• Poison Ivy Dermoscopic Analysis: Identifying urushiol congeners in black-spot poison ivy.
• Water Contaminants: Developing methods to assess emerging environmental contaminants' impact on human health and the environment.
The realm of scientific research is an ever-evolving landscape, where inquiry and innovation converge to uncover solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. Within this dynamic arena, several distinct but interconnected projects have emerged, each contributing its unique thread to the tapestry of knowledge and progress.
My laboratory is a hub of curiosity and ownership, where students learn to ask questions, challenge themselves, and adapt to various learning paces. My student-researchers expand their knowledge of scientific instrumental analysis, using technology that includes the HPLC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS instruments so that they can coherently collect information of metabolites, contaminants, nutrients from various samples for comprehensive analysis. We prioritize foundational knowledge, ensuring students are well-prepared for scientific exploration at UHSP.
1. High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Profiling on Hemp Terpenes and Their Anti-Cancer Properties: Industrial hemp is being studied for its potential application and therapeutic benefits in various fields, such as medicine, agriculture, environmental remediation, building materials, and biofuels. A number of different terpenes are found in multiple hemp varieties. These aromatic compounds not only give the plant its unique aroma and flavor, but also have potential medicinal and anti-cancer effects. In this study, we used high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to rapidly identify targeted (e.g., β-caryophyllene, limonene, and α-pinene, among others) and untargeted terpenes in hemp. We then investigated the bioactivities of a panel of selected terpenes on a human lung cancer cell line (A549) and a normal cell line (HEK 293). Specific anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects against cancer cells were observed, as well as distinct metabolomic fingerprints compared with the control groups. By using HRMS and in vitro tests we established a rapid, efficient, and cost-effective identification/evaluation protocol for terpene compounds in hemp crops which will potentially contribute to the current understanding of natural anti-cancer therapeutics. Further research is warranted to investigate the associated metabolomics and underlying mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of hemp terpenes. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of hemp terpenes as natural anti-cancer agents and could pave the way for the development of natural and non-toxic anti-cancer therapies as complementary approaches for the current cancer treatments. This work is supported by the USDA NIFA Capacity Building Grant (CBG) as well as the USDA NIFA Evans-Allen grant, UHSP Faculty Research Incentive Fund (FRIF) and Student Research Incentive Fund (SRIF).
2. Rapid Identification of Foodborne Pathogens through High-Resolution Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds and Comprehensive Metabolomic Screening: Foodborne disease outbreaks increased nationwide in recent years, mainly due to the lack of efficient tools and methods for rapid, continuous, and cost-effective detection/monitoring of foodborne pathogens. Existing protocols such as agar plate culturing and PCR amplification– can take days or even weeks to reach any meaningful conclusions leading to delayed implementation of effective measures before contaminated foods being consumed by the public. Moreover, conventional method fails when pathogens enter a condition called “viable but non-culturable” (VBNC). To address these issues, we selected a panel of targeted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as rapid molecular fingerprints for specific types of foodborne pathogens, such as 3-methyl butanoic acid and 1-Indole for Escherichia coli (O157:H7), octanol for Salmonella typhimurium, (methyltrisulfanyl)methane for Listeria monocytogenes. By using the state-of-the-art ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), we successfully developed a comprehensive while rapid metabolomic analytical methods for both targeted VOC compounds and non-targeted metabolomic screening. Successfully implementation of these techniques significantly cut the time and complexity of the tests. Both qualitative and quantitative detection of representative targeted VOCs in a complex mixture with real food substrates has been achieved down to sub-ppb levels. In combination with machine learning (ML) algorithms, comprehensive metabolomic networks were established for accurate prediction of existing foodborne pathogens. Future development will be focused on the optimization of these instrumental methods for higher accuracy/efficiency, as well as integration of data interpretation in cooperation with a separately developed portable in situ olfactory sensor. This work is funded by the USDA NIFA Evans-Allen program under prime award number N1211445XXXXG005.
3. Organic vs. Conventional – A Quantitative Nutrition/Contaminants Profiling Case Study on Elderberries: Organic farming is an agricultural method that prioritizes natural processes over synthetic inputs, avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, or other artificial substances. Instead, it emphasizes sustainable farming practices by utilizing natural fertilizers, biological pest control made from plant or animal waste, and organic manure. Organic farming is associated with healthier and safer produce, as it avoids the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals on both the environment and human health. However, the effectiveness of organic farming may be limited if Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are not followed. Therefore, promoting GAPs alongside organic techniques and providing producers with measurable data may be crucial for ensuring food safety, particularly in underserved communities. This pilot project aimed to investigate the significance of GAPs in organic farming by comparing the nutrient levels and contaminant residues in elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) grown with or without GAPs, both in organic and non-organic (conventional) farming. The samples were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to screen for various nutrients and contaminants. The data obtained was processed using industry-standard software packages with advanced features for peak detection, compound identification, quantification, and statistical analysis. Preliminary findings suggest that implementing GAPs is crucial for achieving expected nutrient quality and concentration in both organic and conventionally grown elderberries. The detailed results will be presented at the upcoming ACS Meeting. This study highlights the potential benefits of promoting GAPs in conjunction with organic farming practices to improve food safety and address health disparities. This work is supported by the USDA NIFA Evans-Allen program under Prime Award number N1211445XXXXG005, UHSP Faculty Research Incentive Fund (FRIF) and Student Research Incentive Fund (SRIF).
Dr. Mu spends so many hours with MassSpec that they start to form a bond that rivals most human relationships.
Favorite color: Thymol Blue