8th CONFERENCE OF THE CZECH SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY - BOOK OF ABSTRACTS

Significance of the topic

Mass spectrometry remains a cornerstone of modern analytical chemistry, enabling detailed characterization of small molecules, proteins and complex biological systems. The Eighth Annual Conference of the Czech Society for Mass Spectrometry provided a forum to present advances in instrumentation, workflows and applications ranging from metabolomics and proteomics to imaging and environmental analysis.

Objectives and overview of the conference

The conference aimed to highlight state-of-the-art mass spectrometric techniques and their impact on research and industry. Plenary lectures introduced novel data-analysis platforms (GNPS, SIRIUS) and explored molecular drivers of disease and therapy (lipid A, mass-spec tools in biology). Parallel sessions showcased targeted and untargeted workflows applied to metabolism, protein–DNA interactions, imaging mass spectrometry and exposome research.

Methodology and instrumentation

Key instruments and methods presented included:

• UHPLC–QqQ and LC-HRMS for targeted metabolite quantification and biomarker discovery
• MALDI-TOF and MALDI imaging combined with ion mobility for spatial lipid and protein mapping
• Fast GC coupled to SIFT-MS for real-time quantification of volatile organics in environmental samples
• Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP) and direct-infusion ESI for ultra-rapid screening of complex materials
• CE–ICP-MS for speciation of metal–ligand interactions
• Top-down MS and HDX for protein structure and interaction studies

Main results and discussion

Selected highlights included discovery of novel biomarkers in hereditary metabolic disorders, insights into the structural basis of protein–nucleic acid interaction, real-time monitoring of reactive volatiles from CO2 reduction, and development of high-throughput imaging approaches for tissue lipidomics. The integration of microextraction, ion-mobility, software-driven molecular networking and advanced fragmentation extended the analytical reach.

Contributions and practical use of methods

These developments support rapid diagnostics in clinical workflows (sepsis markers, inherited disease screening), environmental monitoring (pesticides, volatile organics), forensic and archaeological science (fire accelerants, ancient residues), and drug and vaccine design by detailed structure–activity analyses.

Future trends and possibilities

Future directions will focus on automated, software-driven workflows, real-time high-resolution screening for exposome and clinical markers, expansion of ambient-ionization techniques, and integration of MS with microfluidic and imaging platforms for single-cell and sub-cellular analyses.

Conclusion

The conference underscored the expanding versatility of mass spectrometry across disciplines. Innovations in instrumentation, data analysis and sample handling promise to accelerate discoveries in biology, medicine, environmental science and material analysis.

References

• Wang, M. et al. Molecular networking in GNPS. Nat. Biotechnol. 34, 828–837 (2016).
• Duhrkop, K. et al. SIRIUS and CSI:FingerID for molecular formula and structure annotation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 112, 12580–12585 (2015).
• McEwen, C. N. et al. Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP) MS: direct solid sampling at atmospheric pressure. Anal. Chem. 77, 7826–7831 (2005).
• Atkinson, R. & Arey, J. Atmospheric gas-phase reactions of organic compounds and their impact on air quality. Atmos. Environ. 37, 197–219 (2003).