Sample preparation for mass spectrometry-based proteomics and metabolomics
Microfluidics enables the miniaturisation and automation of complex sample preparation processes in the fields of proteomics, peptidomics and metabolomics.
Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become an indispensable tool for analyzing complex samples containing proteins, peptides, or metabolites. However, the effectiveness of LC-MS/MS is highly dependent on meticulous sample preparation. Suboptimal workflows can lead to poor reproducibility and sensitivity, making sample preparation a critical bottleneck in the analysis chain due to its complexity and numerous liquid handling steps.
Our focus: Centrifugal microfluidic automation
At the "Microfluidic Platforms – Proteomics" research group, we are pioneering solutions to these challenges by leveraging the power of microfluidics. Our work focuses on miniaturizing and adapting sample preparation workflows to microfluidic systems. This approach can significantly reduce reaction volumes and minimize sample losses, thereby enhancing the sensitivity and reproducibility of LC-MS/MS analyses. Our innovative application of centrifugal microfluidic automation has demonstrated substantial improvements in several workflow steps, such as enzymatic digestion of serum as well as peptide purification via solid phase extraction.
Our ongoing publicly funded research projects are exploring cutting-edge technologies for various applications
- Microfluidic preparation of FFPE Samples: Developing methods for the microfluidic preparation of minute formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples to accurately determine the (phospho)proteome.
- Immunopeptidomics: Miniaturizing sample preparation workflows to enhance sensitivity and reproducibility.
- Metabolomics: Innovating microfluidic sample preparation techniques specifically tailored for mass spectrometry based metabolomics.
- Developing adsorption-free sample preparation strategies to ensure maximum sample recovery.
- Advancing microfluidic sample preparation methods for protein and peptide analysis using nanopore technology.
By addressing the current deficiencies in sample preparation through automation and miniaturization, we aim to push the boundaries of what is possible in proteomics and metabolomics, ultimately driving forward both scientific discovery and practical applications. We look forward to collaborations with industry and academia to enhance proteomic and metabolomic analysis through microfluidic innovation.
