A major focus in the group is ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS). In addition to providing a highly precise and rapid separation dimension, new structural information can be derived for gas phase ions including the collision cross section (CCS). We use both drift tube (DTIM) and high-resolution Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulation (SLIM) technologies. From 2024-2028, we are coordinating the MSCA Doctoral Network MobiliTraIN (Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Training Network) with 13 Doctoral Candidates working together across Europe with leading academic researchers, IM-MS instrument developers and industry partners.
In a project led by Dr. Márkó Grabarics, IM-MS will be used to elucidate the structure of plant cell wall glycans. Resolving isomeric structures and identifying novel structural motifs in plant polysaccharides are key challenges to overcome for a better understanding of cell wall structures. New, multidimensional LC-IM-MS workflows will be established along with a dedicated plant glycan database that builds on the unique library of synthetic plant oligosaccharide standards of the Pfrengle group.
LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS are used for analytical metabolomics in the context of biotechnology and bioprocess engineering (e.g., metabolic engineering, modelling and pathway analysis) in collaboration with the experienced teams within the Hann Group and at the Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology. Most recently, new microfluidic perfusion fermentation technology is being integrated into an online analytical platform in collaboration with the Hann and Mattanovich groups.
Analytical method development is also performed in the group using IM-MS, LC-MS, ion (exchange) chromatography (IC), and capillary electrophoresis (CE) for diverse applications, often performed at the Core Facility Mass Spectrometry.
A list of publications is available here.
