Project Leader: Prof. Barbara Bojko
The enormous progress in various scientific fields allows us to characterize biological systems to an unprecedented degree. The main pillar of our work is the use of sustainable analytical solutions, particularly techniques based on microsampling and microextraction, in translational research and medical diagnostics. Beyond minimal solvent consumption, the primary advantage of microsampling is that it does not physically consume the sample, but extracts only a portion of the small molecules present, leaving the sample available for further analyses. Protocols developed in our laboratory so far have enabled obtaining a wide range of information, from global metabolomics and lipidomics characterization to quantitative analysis of drugs and biomarkers.
In the current project, we aim to leverage our group’s expertise in sustainable analytical chemistry, microsampling, and metabo-lipidomics, combining it with knowledge from researchers across bioanalysis and bioinformatics. The goal is to create an analytical platform that fully utilizes available tools to maximize the value of obtained results (including prospective and retrospective studies) through better workflow organization and more efficient data management.
In translational medicine, we plan to employ the workflow established in our lab: 2D cell models → 3D cell models → animal models. The use of methods allowing serial and reproducible in vitro/in vivo studies, such as SPME, live-cell microscopy, or extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation, will enable sampling from cell cultures and animals at multiple time points, which is critical for monitoring the effects of analyzed stimuli, e.g., tumor growth, or in studies of innovative drug carriers and their impact on pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. After conducting studies based on minimally invasive sampling, the final stage will involve tests requiring the consumption of cells and tissues.
The proposed platform will be tested for diagnostic purposes in oncology and transplantation, continuing the ongoing research of our group. Tissue analysis will be complemented by liquid biopsy, used to determine metabolomic biomarkers and isolate EVs for further analyses. This approach is particularly important for assessing graft quality and pre- and post-operative studies, where direct tissue sampling is not possible. This strategy is not only more patient-friendly but also aligns with green chemistry principles and the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) recommendations to transform diagnostic laboratories into “smart and green” facilities through sustainable development and digitalization.
The platform will be based on the following pillars:
- Minimally invasive sampling: microextraction and microsampling
- Multi-omic analysis supported by molecular imaging, protein expression analysis, and functional cell assays
- Machine learning/artificial intelligence for multi-level data analysis and interpretation
- Secure data storage on the platform, enabling efficient management through surveys, databases, and retrospective analyses (e.g., REDCap)
We encourage researchers working in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, tissue imaging, artificial intelligence, and multi-omic data analysis to engage with our project. We also seek collaboration with scientists experienced in sensors and microchip/microfluidic technologies to initiate work on point-of-care devices for small-molecule biomarkers.