Project

IonKey/MSTM system: enhanced ‘plug and play’ mass spectrometry for ultrasensitive quantification of small molecules in small sample volumes in life sciences, with applications in the development and valorisation of endotoxin-mitigation strategies (feed additives) and anti-inflammatory drugs (pharma) in livestock.

Acronym

Code

F2021/IOF-Equip/013

Duration

01 October 2021 → 30 September 2023

Funding

Regional and community funding: Industrial Research Fund

Promotor

Siska Croubels

Research disciplines

Medical and health sciences
- Toxinology
Agricultural and food sciences
- Agricultural animal husbandry
- Agricultural animal nutrition
- Food and additive engineering
- Veterinary herd health management
- Veterinary pharmacology and toxicology

Keywords

Mass spectrometry small molecules high sensitivity small sample volumes microflow life sciences endotoxin NSAIDs feed sector feed additives sector pharma sector

Project description

The IonKey/MS equipment will be used to upgrade available mass spectrometric instruments to obtain enhanced sensitivity for quantification of small organic molecules in small sample volumes available in life sciences. This increased sensitivity will be applied for two distinct research and industry driven innovations, based on the development of unique analysis methods and animal models for 1) mitigation of endotoxin exposure in livestock (endotoxin binders), hence increasing animal health, performance and welfare and reducing antimicrobial use, and 2) pharmacodynamics and efficacy testing of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in livestock. As such, these novel analysis methods and animal models will generate industrial contract revenues with two distinct large sectors, the feed and feed additives business and pharma industry.