In­stru­men­tal an­a­lyt­ics, FHNW School of Life Sciences

The microbiome is the collective genetic material of all microbes that live on or in the human body: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. Microbes outnumber human cells 10:1.

Most microbes in the human body live in the gut, particularly the large intestine. Several diseases have been associated with the microbiome, and hence its analysis and characterisation are typically included in longitudinal and cross-sectional population studies.

We specialise in metabolomic analysis of microbiota. We offer exploratory studies using LC-QTOF or GC-TOF (e.g. Fiehn library) screenings. We can also narrow down analytes or analyte panels with targeted methods like LC-MS/MS and/or GC-MS.

Microsampling refers to the collection of very small volumes of biological samples, such as blood, for analysis. One microsampling technique is dried blood spot (DBS) analysis. A fingertip or earlobe is pricked and capillary blood is sampled, then dripped onto a filter paper. DBS is minimally invasive, requires a reduced amount of sample, and enables easy storage and shipment to the laboratory for analysis.

We use our expertise and equipment to fully automate DBS extraction and analysis. Our DBS-MS 500 (CAMAG, Switzerland) 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.

In addition, we can conduct evaluation studies on other microsampling devices, develop new methods, and compare different approaches within metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics.

Microplastic (MP) analysis is of growing interest since current methods do not efficiently detect smaller particles. Particles with a diameter smaller than 300μm are especially relevant due to their potentially toxic effects on humans and animals.

Thanks to our GC-MS system with a pyrolysis autosampler, we can perform state-of-the-art microplastic analysis, including laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LDIR) and μ-Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN) – all under one roof at the FHNW Campus Muttenz.

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