Overview
Since April 2008, the University of Rostock (Chair of Analytical Chemistry) and the Helmholtz Zentrum München (cooperation group “Analysis of Complex Molecular Systems”) have been cooperating in the field of development and application of mass spectrometry-based analytical techniques for the characterization of complex molecular substance mixtures. For this purpose, the “Joint Mass Spectrometry Center” (JMSC) was created. It is headed by Prof. Ralf Zimmermann, who concurrently holds the chair of analytical chemistry at the University of Rostock (UR) and directs the cooperation group at Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU). In 2011, the HMGU cooperation group was restructured to form the independent cooperation group “Comprehensive Molecular Analytics” (CMA). The CMA forms the JMSC together with the Chair of Analytical Chemistry (CAC) at the University of Rostock. The research topics of the JMSC are organized in three research units with corresponding research groups at UR and HMGU (see organigram).
Health Relevant Environmental Analysis – Aerosol Research (HAR)
The first research unit of the JMSC is focused on environmental aspects and their impact on human health. The main objective of the research group “Environmental and Process Analysis” in Rostock is the analysis of chemical signatures of significant technical and environmental processes. The corresponding group at the HMGU is “Health Relevant Environmental Analysis – Aerosol Research” (HAR). It is embedded in the framework of the HMGU “Environmental Health” POF program and focuses its research activities on ambient aerosols and their health effects.
Comprehensive Molecular Profiling (CMP)
The second research unit of the JMSC deals with biomedical and health-related applications. One particular focus of the unit “Biomedical Analysis” in Rostock, which is performed in close cooperation with the University Clinic of Rostock, is the comprehensive analysis of breath gas. The corresponding research unit in Munich is named “Comprehensive Molecular Profiling” (CMP). It develops and applies novel multidimensional profiling techniques for non-targeted metabolic characterization, for instance in diabetes research or in cell-based toxicological studies on the effect of inhaled aerosols. Furthermore, this unit develops statistical data analysis tools for this very purpose.
Analytical Method Development (AMD)
The third research unit of the JMSC is “Analytical Method Development” (AMD). It is identically named at both institutions. In Rostock the AMD focuses on the advancement and implementation of single- and multiphoton ionization technologies. Photon sources are laser or lamp-based light sources, such as electron-beam pumped rare-gas excimer light sources (EBEL). At the HMGU, research focuses on the development and application of joint analytical systems. Examples are comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography or thermogravimetry coupled with single photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
