Instrumental Analytics

The microbiome is the genetic material of all microbes (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) that live on or in the human body. Microbes, which make up the microbiome, outnumber the human cells in a 10:1 ratio. There are several different types of microbes in the human body, with most living in the gut, particularly the large intestine [10.1007/s00405-016-4058-6]. Several diseases have been associated with the microbiome, and hence its analysis and characterizations are nowadays typically included in longitudinal and cross-sectional population studies. However, the impact of these efforts on human health is still rather modest [https://doi.org/10.1128/mSystems.00129-19].

At FHNW, we specialize in metabolomic analysis of such samples. We can offer exploratory studies using LC-QTOF or GC-TOF (e.g. Fiehn library) screenings, but we are also able to narrow down analytes or analyte panels with targeted methods like LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS.

Microplastic (MP) analysis is of growing interest since current routine methods applied in the field do not efficiently detect smaller particles. However, particles with a diameter smaller than 300μm are especially relevant due to assumed toxic effects on humans and animals [1]. With the recent upgrade of a GC-MS system with a pyrolysis autosampler in 2023, within the group of instrument analytics at the ICB, we now have all the technologies used in state-of-the-art microplastic analysis, including laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LDIR) at IEC and μ-Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN) – all under one roof here at the FHNW Campus Muttenz!

Currently, we are collaborating with the Institute for Ecopreneurship (IEC) to establish a competence center for microplastic in the context of environmental health and its effects on humans.

[1] Kunststoffe in der Umwelt | Faktenblatt Nr. 1, https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu, aufgerufen am 08.12.2023

Microsampling refers to the collection of very small volumes of biological samples, such as blood, for analytical analysis. One microsampling technique is the so-called “Dried Blood Spot” analysis (DBS). For this procedure, a fingertip or earlobe is pricked and capillary blood is sampled, then dropped onto a filter paper. Some advantages of DBS include being minimally invasive, requiring a reduced amount of sample, and allowing for easy storage and shipment to the laboratory for analysis.

At our laboratory, we utilize our expertise and equipment to fully automate DBS extraction and analysis. We use a DBS-MS 500 (CAMAG, Switzerland), which has space for 500 DBS cards and can apply an internal standard onto the DBS using a sprayer. The instrument can also scan the hematocrit and elute directly into a liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or a vial for analysis. We can also conduct evaluation studies on other microsampling devices, develop new methods, and compare different approaches within metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics.