Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is an almost universally applicable technology for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of biomolecules especially proteins, metabolites and drugs. Incorporating chromatographic separation techniques and high sensitivities as well as experimental precision, it is suitable for both the directed quantification of individual analytes and the screening of biomarkers. 

The services offered by the Fraunhofer IZI Proteomics Unit include protein analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-coupled methods of various biological systems, including cell culture systems, biofluids (e.g. blood plasma), extracellular vesicles (from cell culture and biofluids) and tissues. The goal is to comprehensively quantify all proteins to identify biomarks and reveal molecular mode-of-actions. For this purpose, various label-based (e.g. tandem mass tags) as well as label-free methods are available. All methods can be performed in the central testing facility taking into account established SOPs. We will be happy to implement your individual requests in proteomics and advise you according to your individual needs.

In addition to protein analysis, there is the possibility of determining toxins, metabolites and active substances by means of mass spectrometry-based Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) and DNA conjugates. Specific purification by means of preparative chromatography and directed identification/quantification is also offered by Fraunhofer IZI. We will be happy to provide you with an individual offer for this.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Affects Protein and Lipid Content of Circulating Exosomes in Infected Patients Depending on Tuberculosis Disease State
Biadglegne F, Schmidt JR, Engel KM, Lehmann J, Lehmann RT, Reinert A, König B, Schiller J, Kalkhof S, Sack U. Biomedicines. 2022 Mar 27;10(4):783. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10040783. PMID: 35453532

Exosomal miRNAs from Prostate Cancer Impair Osteoblast Function in Mice
Furesi G, de Jesus Domingues AM, Alexopoulou D, Dahl A, Hackl M, Schmidt JR, Kalkhof S, Kurth T, Taipaleenmäki H, Conrad S, Hofbauer C, Rauner M, Hofbauer LC. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 24;23(3):1285. doi: 10.3390/ijms23031285. PMID: 35163219

The "Chemical analytics" laboratory focuses on the identification and quantification of biomolecules (proteins, peptides and small molecules) in complex biological matrices like biofluids and tissue homogenates. It operates different mass spectrometers (MALDI-TOF/TOF, ESI-/APCI triple quadrupole/linear ion trap) and liquid chromatography systems (LC-UV/Vis) that can be used either individually or in combination (LC-MS, LC-MS/MS or LC-MRM) depending on the question being examined. In addition, the laboratory has a comprehensive range of equipment (e. g. homogenisers, various SPE systems) for the processing of biological samples and is approved for biosafety level 2 (BSL-2). The laboratory is GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) certified and part of the GLP test facility of the Fraunhofer IZI.

The main activities of the "Chemical Analytics" laboratory include the development and validation of analytical methods for various types of biomolecules as well as analytical services for preclinical studies (GLP/non-GLP) in the fields of pharmacokinetics and toxicology.