In particular in the Analytics of Biomolecular Interactions (Rijs) group, we integrate molecular spectroscopy with (ion mobility) mass spectrometry to understand complex biological processes at the molecular level via characterization of molecular structure, intra/inter-molecular interactions and structural changes. The group is particularly interested in peptide and protein aggregation related to neurodegenerative diseases, but also how aggregation is relevant for biological function, biopharmaceuticals, and bio-engineering of smart materials. Within the recent awarded VICI project, a unique, 4-dimensional IR-MS based technology is being developed to probe both structure and kinetics in one single experiment. This will be achieved by combining droplet-based microfluidics electrospray ionization and ion mobility mass spectrometry with IR spectroscopy. Initially, we will use this novel approach to understand the aggregation mechanism of Parkinson’s disease in order to ultimately control and inhibit the aggregation process.
Analytics of Biomolecular Interactions
In the Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, we join forces with the Biomolecular Analysis/ Analytical Chemistry (Somsen) group to develop and apply novel, multidimensional analytics for the molecular understanding of biological and chemical processes and the elucidation of biopharmaceutical and drug characteristics