Research Focus
Prof. Dr. Matthias Wüst
Biosynthesis and analysis of terpenoids
Dr. Maike Passon
Analysis of secondary plant compounds and their metabolites using LCMS and GCMS
PD Dr. Peter Boeker
Fundamental research & development in the field of gas chromatography
Biosynthesis and analysis of terpenoids
Plant metabolism is multifaceted and produces over 1000 volatile compounds, many of which can be perceived by the human nose as aroma compounds. In our group, we are concerned on the one hand with the analysis of these aroma compounds in foods, and on the other hand with the elucidation of their biosynthesis and their changes during ripening, storage and processing.
Phenolic Compounds - From Plant To Mass Spectrometry
Phenolics are synthesized in plants in numerous and diverse ways. They serve as attractants, colorants, or are synthesized in response to biotic or abiotic stress. For many years, phenolic compounds have been associated with positive effects on human health, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidant, anti-proliferative or anti-inflammatory properties are just some of the effects attributed to phenolic compounds in the human body.
In our group, we are interested in the analysis of these phenolic compounds from both the plant itself and their metabolites after conversion by human metabolism. The focus is on the characterization and quantification of phase II metabolites and those produced by the gut microbiota.
New validated methods, in particular UHPLC coupled with low or high resolution mass spectrometry, are being developed and applied to samples from in vitro or human studies. In addition, the stable isotope 13C is used as an non-radioactive marker in fermentation and human studies. Phenolic compounds previously labeled with 13CO2 are isolated from plants, purified, and used in further experiments to characterize unknown metabolites.
Authentic standards are crucial for the valid quantification of compounds. In the case of human phase II metabolites, only a few standards are commercially available and their isolation from plant material is limited. For this reason, we synthesize phenolic metabolites by chemical and enzymatic routes.
In a current research project, the influence of LED exposure on the synthesis of phytochemicals in different genotypes of mint is being investigated. Exposure to different wavelengths can influence the synthesis of both phenolic and terpenoid compounds. The aim is to select the exposure so that the quality-enhancing compounds are enriched and the quality-reducing compounds are diminished. This project is part of the Phenorob Cluster of Excellence and has the overall goal of sustainable plant production.
Plants are a promising source material to evaluate the impact of phenolic compounds on human health when grown under appropriate light conditions in a 13CO2 atmosphere. Valid and rapid analysis of valuable plant constituents and their metabolites are the basis for characterization and quantification in large-scale agricultural and human studies.
Fundamental research & development in the field of GC
Information will follow soon.