BOOK OF ABSTRACTS: THIRTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CZECH SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY together with ELEVENTH INFORMAL PROTEOMIC MEETING

Significance of the Topic

Advances in mass spectrometry lie at the heart of modern analytical chemistry, enabling unprecedented sensitivity, specificity, and throughput for biomolecular analysis. From sub-nanogram proteomics to exposome profiling and ambient ionisation, these developments drive research in proteomics, metabolomics, structural biology, environmental health, clinical diagnostics, food safety, and drug discovery.

Study Objectives and Overview

This conference brought together leading experts to showcase novel MS methodologies and applications. Key goals included: (i) presenting emerging instruments and workflows; (ii) demonstrating applications in proteomics, metabolomics, exposomics, and imaging; (iii) exploring data processing and AI-assisted annotation; and (iv) fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for real-world impact.

Methodologies and Instrumentation

A rich array of MS platforms and techniques was featured:

• Orbitrap Astral and Fusion Tribrid systems for deep proteome coverage and single-cell sensitivity.
• timsTOF SCP and timsTOF HT with trapped ion mobility for high-speed, high-resolution analyses.
• FT-ICR with UV/IRMPD photodissociation for top-down proteoform mapping and structural footprinting.
• DDA and DIA workflows, including diaPASEF, for quantitative proteomics and spectral library generation.
• Ambient ionisation sources (DBDI, DAPPI, LAESI) for direct surface analysis and wearable scent profiling.
• HILIC, reversed-phase, GC-Orbitrap, LC–ICP-MS, CZE–MS, and automated online LLE for metabolomics, exposomics, and small-molecule quantification.
• Spatial proteomics (LOPIT-DC) and MS imaging (DESI, MALDI) to map biomolecules in tissues.

Main Results and Discussion

Presentations highlighted:

• Enhanced LC-MS sensitivity and identification rates using novel acids (propionic) and core-shell columns.
• Integrated multiomics for triple-negative breast cancer subtyping and biomarker discovery (e.g. SNCG, synuclein gamma).
• Automated exposome profiling workflows for population-scale chemical monitoring using GC-Orbitrap and online extraction.
• Structural mass spectrometry approaches (native MS, HDX, IRMPD, FPOP, complexome profiling) elucidating protein interactions, enzymatic mechanisms, and drug engagement.
• Glycoprotein and glycan analyses by HILIC-MS/FLD for biopharmaceutical quality control.
• Spatially resolved hormone and metabolite distributions in plants under stress and development protocols for leaf disc assays.
• Advances in residue analysis: pesticides in soils and foods, mycotoxins in grains, and PFAS in fish.
• New spectral libraries and software (MSnLib, DigDig) accelerating post-translational modification annotation and MSn data processing.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The described workflows offer robust solutions for:

• Clinical proteomics and biomarker validation in cancer and neurological disorders.
• Precision environmental health monitoring via exposomics.
• Biopharmaceutical development quality control.
• Food safety surveillance of mycotoxins, pesticides, and contaminants.
• Structural biology and drug mechanism elucidation.
• Agricultural research on stress physiology and nutrient acquisition.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Key emerging directions include:

• Integration of AI/ML for automated spectral annotation, PTM assignment, and prediction of compound structures.
• Expansion of multi-modal MSn libraries covering diverse analytes for exposomics and proteomics.
• Ultra-fast, high-throughput MS imaging for clinical and plant biology applications.
• Further miniaturisation toward single-cell and sample-limited analyses.
• Advanced ion sources and ion mobility for enhanced separation of isomers and isobars.
• Standardisation and harmonisation across laboratories to enable large-scale biomonitoring networks.

Conclusion

This conference underscored the vibrant evolution of mass spectrometry, uniting methodological innovation with impactful applications across health, life sciences, and environmental research. Continued synergy between instrument development, computational tools, and interdisciplinary studies promises to expand the frontiers of biomolecular analysis.

Reference

Book of Abstracts, Thirteenth Annual Conference of the Czech Society for Mass Spectrometry and Eleventh Informal Proteomic Meeting, České Budějovice 2025.