Structomics

Development of structural mass-spectrometric methods for the comprehensive comparison of natural organic matter on an individual molecular composition level

Together with our project partners from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Moscow (Skoltech, Dr. Zherebker), we in the research group BioGeoOmics want to better understand the isomeric composition of terrestrial and aquatic organic matter.
Currently, the study of natural organic matter (NOM) at the molecular level is performed using ultra-high resolution FT ICR mass spectrometry. With this technique, thousands of peaks can be resolved in a single sample, and assignment to chemical molecular formula can be made. In addition, structure elucidation often relies on approaches based on either the molecular formula or chemical rules on valences and oxidation states. As a result, most of the structural information of the investigated substances is lost.
To overcome this problem, we will label functional groups using stable isotopes to determine the number of carboxyl, carbonyl and phenolic groups. This will be coupled with high performance separation methods such as liquid chromatography and fragmentation experiments to obtain structural information and polarity-based isomer distribution of NOM. To this end, NOM from peatlands that have undergone slow and continuous degradation, marine organic material that is highly stable end product of biogeochemical degradation, and NOM from permafrost areas that have undergone biotic and abiotic transformations will be analyzed and compared to evaluate their structural similarities and differences.

Contact persons:
Rebecca Matos
Dr. Oliver Lechtenfeld

Project partner:
Dr. Alexander Zherebker