I am Maritess M. Lacquio, an aspiring scientist from the Philippines. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Chemistry from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in 2010. After graduation, I joined the Institute of Chemistry at UPLB, first as a researcher and then as a faculty member. While teaching at the university, I pursued and successfully finished a Master of Science in Agricultural Chemistry in 2017. With a strong foundation in both teaching and research, I have been actively involved in the academic community, mentoring students and contributing to various research projects. My research interests are in the fields of biochemistry, analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, and molecular biology.
My passion for science was ignited by the mentorship of Dr. Christopher C. Bernido and the late Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido at the Central Visayan Institute Foundation. My interest in molecular biology, developed through training and internship at the International Rice Research Institute and my experience teaching biochemistry laboratory courses, combined with my interest in voltammetry, explored in my MS thesis, motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and electrochemistry. Thus, when I came across the available Ph.D. scholarship at the centre, I eagerly applied. Additionally, the Ph.D. topic, which focuses on developing sensors for breast milk analysis, resonates deeply with me as a mother of a 2-year-old daughter.
Breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing essential nutrients, bioactive compounds, and immunological benefits that promote optimal infant health. Studies suggest that breastfed infants experience a decreased risk of developing overweight issues later in life, potentially due to the presence of leptin and adiponectin in breast milk. Epidemiological studies have indicated that higher levels of adiponectin and leptin in breast milk are associated with reduced weight gain during the initial 4-6 months of an infant’s life.
To date, various techniques for detecting leptin and adiponectin have been reported, including capillary electrophoresis, immunocapture/mass spectrometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, these assays come with certain limitations, such as the need for expensive equipment, lengthy analysis procedures, and poor detection limits.
Breast milk is generally composed of macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates), vitamins and minerals, growth factors, hormones, microbiomes, and microRNAs. These components vary and are observed to fluctuate both daily and throughout the entire lactation period. Hence, the development of an efficient and accurate method for easily determining the composition of breast milk at various stages is essential.
The research project aims to develop a sensitive, rapid, and accurate method of detecting leptin and adiponectin using single-molecule scanning tunnelling junction approaches. The sensor is based on monitoring changes in the electrical tunnelling currents passing through a DNA aptamer that specifically binds to leptin and adiponectin. It also aims to explore an integrated electro-bioluminescent sensing technology for the simultaneous detection of components of breast milk such as lactose, micro and macronutrients (metal ions).
Through my research, I aim to raise awareness about breast milk by highlighting the essential nutrients it provides to infants. By developing an electrochemical-based sensor for analyzing breast milk components, I hope to provide a practical tool for this purpose. The centre’s cutting-edge facilities and expertise will enable me to conduct my Ph.D. research effectively, ensuring the successful execution of my experiments.
Moreover, the centre offers a unique learning environment where I can enhance my skills and knowledge in molecular biology, biochemistry, and electrochemistry. While I have a background in these areas, I am eager to expand my knowledge and gain new insights from my advisers, mentors, experienced researchers and advanced resources available at the centre. This collaborative atmosphere will be instrumental in achieving my research goals and making meaningful contributions to the field.
I enjoy travelling and exploring new places. The opportunity to explore Perth while pursuing my Ph.D. at The University of Western Australia is one of my bucket lists.
