Focusing on novel separation approaches, advanced mass spectrometry (MS) and action spectroscopy, BAC drives innovation in analytical methods and instrumentation to probe structure, conformation, interactions, and heterogeneity of biomolecules in pharmaceutical, biological, and medical contexts. By providing analytical solutions, our ultimate aim is to understand how molecular structures affect function, activity and biological mechanisms. Thereby, essential information is generated for the development of next-generation therapeutics, ultimately advancing human health. Key research and application areas include (glyco)proteins, protein aggregation, protein and oligonucleotide pharmaceuticals, venom proteins, medicinal nanoparticles and drug metabolites.
Advanced analytical method & instrumentation development. BAC excels at innovating multidimensional analysis by integrating separation techniques, such as capillary electrophoresis, (native) liquid chromatography and ion mobility (IM) spectrometry, with MS workflows and advanced spectroscopic methods. For example, the TooColdBox, a toolbox for studying the chemistry of light-induced degradation, and high-resolution (nano)fractionation platforms (Fractionator and FractioMate™) were established and integrated with MS and/or bioassays. We developed new MS platforms combining IM with IR action spectroscopy and UV photodissociation, enabling high-precision structural and kinetic analysis of biomolecules from complex and heterogeneous samples. We also created sensitive workflows for extracting and analysing glycoproteins and (drug) metabolites from body fluids. In collaboration with multiple companies within several public-private partnerships, BAC advances hyphenated MS and bioanalytical technologies to enable unprecedented molecular characterization of compounds with societal impact.
Structural & functional analysis of biomolecules: from native proteins to drug candidates. BAC employs their developed (native) mass spectrometry technology and high-resolution screening methods to simultaneously evaluate molecular identity and bioactivity in complex biological samples. These include intact native proteins, protein complexes and proteoforms, protein aggregates relevant to neurodegenerative diseases, glycoproteins purified from body fluids with distinct glycosylation patterns, bio-based macromolecules and nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, and peptides and proteins from venoms. Additionally, attention is paid to forensic and toxicological analysis of drugs and metabolites, with an emphasis on isomeric and chiral selectivity. Close collaborations with partners in pharmaceutical industry accelerate the development of therapeutic proteins and oligonucleotides, and novel drug candidates.
Subgroups:
Prof. dr. Anouk Rijs - Analytics of Biomolecular Interactions
Prof. dr. Govert Somsen - Biomolecular Analysis / Analytical Chemistry
Dr. Jeroen Kool - Integrated Bioactivity Screening Technologies
Dr. Isabelle Kohler - Forensic Analytical Toxicology and Metabolomics
Dr. Melissa Bärenfänger - Protein and Glycan (Ion Mobility) Mass Spectrometry
Dr. Kevin Jooß – Biomacromolecule Separation & Mass Spectrometry
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