Next-level isotopic analysis: development of novel tools for species-specific and laterally resolved isotope ratio determination

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Björn Meermann
• Subject Area: Analytical Chemistry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550073840

All elements with >= 2 isotopes exhibit a natural variation in their isotopic composition due to fractionation effects. The corresponding differences in isotope ratios can be revealed and quantified by multi-collector-ICP-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). High-precision isotopic analysis of essential trace elements is important in the biomedical context because isotope ratios are more sensitive than elemental concentrations to small changes - especially when it comes to detecting changes in biochemical reactions. As a result, isotopic analysis of essential trace elements can be used to decipher biochemical processes and is a promising diagnostic/prognostic tool in medicine. However, in most cases, samples are digested prior to isotopic analysis, resulting in the loss of species-specific information and/or spatially resolved changes. Therefore, the aim of this project is to develop novel complementary MC-ICP-MS based methods - (i) by combining laser ablation (LA) with MC-ICP-MS for spatially resolved isotope analysis and by combining (ii) capillary electrophoresis (CE) with MC-ICP-MS for species-specific isotope analysis (WPI and WPII). After method development, optimization and validation, these methods will be used in cancer research and neurological disease studies. (i) and (ii) are used as complementary methods - from (i) LA/MC-ICP-MS, relevant tissue areas will be identified, which can then be further investigated at the molecular level using (ii) CE/MC-ICP-MS after biomolecule extraction (WPIII). In addition to isotope ratio analysis based on trace metal elements, sulfur isotope ratios will also be examined - S is a component of a variety of biomolecules and is covalently bound within these molecules. Both techniques - providing spatially resolved and species-specific information - are used in a complementary manner to draw conclusions about the underlying mechanisms of the respective diseases via altered isotopic signatures. By producing suitable reference materials, the project will also provide means to improve the reliability and traceability of such isotope ratio data (WPIV).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Belgium
• Partner Organisation: Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - Vlaanderen ; Research Foundation Flanders (FWO)
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Thibaut Van Acker; Professor Dr. Frank Vanhaecke