Chemical analytics

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.

• LC-UV/VIS – Quantification of biomolecules via UV/VIS on a (U)HPLC system
• MS and MS/MS – Identification and characterisation of biomolecules by acquisition of mass (MS) and fragment (MS/MS) spectra on a ESI/APCI linear ion trap mass spectrometer
  
• LC-MS/MS – Identification and characterisation of biomolecules via combination of liquid chromatography on a (U)HPLC system and subsequent acquisition of mass (MS) and fragment (MS/MS) spectra on a ESI/APCI linear ion trap mass spectrometer
  
• LC-MRM – Quantification of biomolecules via combination of liquid chromatography on a (U)HPLC system and detection of analyte-specific mass transitions (multiple reaction monitoring, MRM) on a ESI/APCI triple quadrupole mass spectrometer