Nikolaos Paloumpis

Mechanistic studies on the interplay of OATP2B1 with cytochrome P450 enzymes

• Phenotyping study of Midazolam in genetic modified animal model (rats) in order to investigate the unknown in vivo function of OATP2B1.

Studied the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of Trastuzumab in vitro and in vivo. Identification and quantification of Trastuzumab (Herceptin) in biological samples by using an in -house developed LC-MS/MS method and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).

• Cell culture experience (maintenance, viability assay for efficacy studies)
• Preparation and execution of xenograft tumor model protocol in immunodeficient mouse models
• Collaboration and sharing ideas with lab members from various disciplines

Key achievement: Developed a bioanalytical tool that can be employed in the framework of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for determination of levels of monoclonal antibodies in biological samples.

Performed routine testing to assess the conformance of raw materials, finished products, and/or stability samples to predetermined product specifications according to current EP/USP monograph methods.

• Classical and instrumental wet chemistry analysis (HPLC, FT-IR, pH, moisture content, polarimetry, solubility)
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP's), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) regulations
• Working in an international environment

Master’s degree thesis: Determination of Intact

Parabens in the Human Plasma of Cancer and Non-Cancer Patients Using a Validated Fabric Phase Sorptive Extraction Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography Method with UV Detection

Developed and validated a novel bioanalytical method for the biomonitoring of seven parabens and p-hydroxybenzoic acid in human plasma samples of cancerous and non-cancerous patients by employing fabric phase sorptive extraction ( FPSE), an innovative and green sample preparation technique.

• Experience in HPLC UV-Vis /PDA method development
• Optimization of a novel – according to Green Analytical Chemistry sample preparation technique

As an intern, I was trained in:

• Operation and maintenance of Liquid Chromatography equipped with quadrupole analyzer coupled with time of flight analyzer (LC-Q/TOF)
• Determination of prohibited substances in athletes samples by using validated methods and evaluation of the results

During my stay at the Doping Control Laboratory of Athens, I also contributed to the development of a new methodology for the detection of intact phase II metabolites of steroids (glucuronides and sulfate esters) after derivatization with a Girard reagent T, with the aim of improving both the sensitivity of detection and the mass spectra of the respective analytes.

As an 6 month intern, I supported the laboratory staff in accredited chemical and sensory tests for the quality classification of olive oil samples from domestic producers according to the European Regulation and International Olive Council ( IOC)

• Familiarity with olive oil chemical testing
• Trained in sensory evaluation of olive oil samples
• Prepared official test reports for the classification category (Extra Virgin, Virgin or Lampante)

Performed my undergraduate thesis : The Metabolic Profile of Balsamic and Common Vinegars Using 1H-NMR.

1H NMR data of commercially available common and balsamic vinegars were examined and the application of statistical tools and predictive models, resulted in the identification of metabolites that contribute to the natural clustering of the samples according to their geographical region, color and condensation grade.