Precision for the health
The Bioanalytics Laboratory specialises in the detailed analysis of biological samples using advanced technologies to improve healthcare through more accurate diagnoses and personalised treatments.
Such technologies enable the creation of individual health profiles, support the development of tailored, more effective and gentler therapies and thus play a central role in personalised medicine. Diseases can be detected at an early stage, which increases the chances of recovery and reduces treatment costs.
The laboratory also contributes to the safety assessment of new drugs and materials and promotes scientific research, leading to significant medical innovations.
Description
Mass spectrometry
One of the laboratory's core methods is mass spectrometry, which is used for both directed and non-directed analyses of the metabolome. This technology makes it possible to identify a large number of metabolites (metabolic products) in clinical samples and thus discover biomarkers that are of great importance for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. In addition, mass spectrometry is also used in the laboratory for mechanistic studies, such as research into the mechanisms of action of toxins, experimental substances and the evaluation of the biocompatibility of materials.
Production and analysis of microarrays
Another focus of the laboratory is the production and analysis of microarrays based on DNA, proteins and peptides. These microarrays are produced precisely with the aid of a piezo-controlled microdispenser. This technique enables the simultaneous analysis of a large number of biological molecules and is an essential part of the development of point-of-care assays for personalized medicine. These tests aim to create individual health profiles and enable customized therapeutic approaches.
Solid-state nanopores
In addition to the established methods described above, the bioanalytics laboratory is currently conducting research into the potential use of solid-state nanopores for analytical applications as part of the VarioPore & PROPORES funding projects.
Purpose of lab
- Directed and undirected analysis of the metabolome from biological samples
- Analysis and verification of products from organic synthesis
- Development of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-coupled mass spectrometry-based multi-methods for the quantitative analysis of small molecules
- Identification of biomarkers for diagnostic purposes (e.g. oxygen deficiency in newborns)
- Mechanistic investigations of influences on metabolic pathways (e.g. toxins, plasticizers, experimental substances)
- Investigation of signaling pathways
- Production of microarrays based on proteins, nucleic acids or peptides for various applications
Equipment
UPLC-coupled Synapt XS
The Waters Synapt XS platform comprises a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer with ion mobility functions coupled to an Acquity H-Class UPLC system. The system enables undirected analysis of the metabolome without a starting hypothesis. The platform was established in 2022 as part of a DGF Major Instrumentation Action for Universities of Applied Sciences (GGA-HAW) Grant (498224366, PI Prof. Dr. Margareta Müller). The system is designed to provide state-of-the-art metabolomics and lipidomics capabilities with RP and HILIC separation options. The platform relies on Progenesis QI for automated data analysis, including statistical analysis of the experiments. In addition, this platform also enables the characterization of products from organic synthesis.
HPLC-coupled 4000 QTRAP
The SCIEX 4000 QTRAP platform consists of a hybrid triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometer coupled to a Shimadzu NexeraXR HPLC system. The system enables directional, quantitative analysis of the metabolome with a corresponding input hypothesis. The platform relies on MultiQuant for quantitative data analysis. A list of currently established analytes can be found on the website of the Institute of Precision Medicine.
sciFLEXARRAYER S3
The sciFLEXARRAYER S3 is an automated, piezo-driven, non-contact microdispenser for very small volumes (in the picoliter range). It can be used for the production of microarrays, for example, but is also suitable for solid phase synthesis (e.g. peptides) in the smallest format.
sciREADER FL2
The sciREADER FL2 enables high-quality digital imaging of fluorescence assays with up to three colors (red, green and blue fluorescent dyes). The high resolution (10 µm pixel size) makes the device ideal for the evaluation of microarrays. The ability to customize the array layout enables assays in well plate formats, on slides or other formats (e.g. lateral flow arrays).
Biotage PRESSURE+
The Biotage Pressure+ is a positive pressure manifold that can be used for solid phase extraction or drying in 96-well format. The use of the inert gas nitrogen prevents the oxidation of analytes, which enables the gentle purification of labile analytes.
RVC 2-25 CDPlus
The RVC 2-25 CDplus is a vacuum centrifuge that can be used for concentrating, drying or lyophilizing solutions. In combination with the Alpha 2-4 LSCplus ice condenser and a downstream rotary vane pump, this system can be used not only to remove organic solvents such as methanol or ethyl acetate, but also to gently dry aqueous solutions by lyophilization. Due to the available rotors, reaction vessels in the sizes 1.5 ml, 2.2 ml, 15 ml and standard microtiter plate formats can currently be used.
Head of Lab
I am happy to provide information about bioanalytics.
