Methods and analysis

  • examination of the level of phytochemicals metabolites in biological fluids and tissues of organisms;
  • analysis of metabolic biomarkers upon plant food intake;
  • bioavailability study of food compounds and determination of pharmacokinetic parameters;
  • analysis of plant metabolome;
  • qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytocompounds.

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Equipment

  1. micro-UHPLC gradient system with autosampler (LC200, Eksigent) coupled with TripleTOF 5600+ mass spectrometer (AB SCIEX, USA);
  2. micro-UHPLC gradient system with autosampler (LC200, Eksigent) coupled with QTRAP 5500 mass spectrometer (AB SCIEX, USA);
  3. HPLC gradient system with autosampler (LC-20) coupled with SPD-M20A DAD detector (Shimadzu, Japan);
  4. HPLC gradient system with autosampler (LC-10, Shimadzu, Japan) coupled with DAD detector (SPD-M10AVP, Shimadzu, Japan) and mass spectrometer (LCMS- QP8000α, Shimadzu, Japan);
  5. HPLC gradient system with autosampler (LC-10, Shimadzu, Japan) coupled with UV-Vis detector (SPD-10A, Shimadzu, Japan) and fluorescence detector (RF-10AXL, Shimadzu, Japan);
  6. HPLC gradient system with autosampler (LPG-3400M, WPS-3000TSL, Dionex, USA) coupled with multi-channel electrochemical detector (5600A, ESA, USA) and fluorescence detector (FLD-3400RS, Dionex, USA);
  7. HPLC isocratic system (LC-10, Shimadzu, Japan) coupled with two electrochemical detectors (ICA-3000, TOA, Japan and ED40, Dionex, USA);
  8. gas chromatograph (7890A, Agilent, USA) with MS and FID detectors;
  9. software for pharmacokinetic calculation Biokinetica.

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Methods and analysis

  1. Immunoenzymatic (ELISA) and immunoizotopic (RIA) determination of hormone concentrations:
    • protein hormones (LH, PRL) and receptors LH/hCG with iodine (J-125)-labelled preparation,
    • iodination of protein hormones (LH, PRL) and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α),
    • steroid hormones (P4, A4, T, E1, E2, cortisol),
    • prostaglandins (PGE2, PGF2α) and metabolite of PGF2α – PGFM,
    • Oxytocin and endothelins using preoxidase (HRP)- or biotin conjugated hormones
  2. Analysis of critical parameters and blood gasometry:

    Analysis of gasometry and oxymetry parameters as well as electrolytes, with application of analyser of critical parameters, RAPIDpoint 405 (SIEMENS):

    • gasometry : pH, pCO2, pO2,
    • electrolytes : NA+, K+, Ca++, Cl-,
    • glucose, HCT,
    • oxymetry: sO2, FO2Hb, FCOHb, FHHb, FMetHb, THb,

    together with a number of counted derivative parameters and many parameters of derivatives.

  3. Morphometric blood analysis:

    • Double-track measurement of leucocytes in two independent channels
    • Basic and expanded morphologic analysis of cattle, sheep, horse, cat, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, rat and mouse blood, using of hematologic analyzer ADVIA 2120i (SIEMENS).

    Desired volume of blood sample foranalysis is 157 µl.

  4. Immunochemical-chemiluminescense blood analysis with application of immunochemical analyzer IMMULITE®1000 (SIEMENS):

    • Analysis of adrenal/ pituitary, sex hormone concentrations (e.g. P4, T, E2, cortisol),
    • Analysis of thyroid physiology,
    • Analysis of concentrations of growth factors,
    • Analysis of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, LBP),
    • Analysis of allergy, anaemia and diabetes factors,
    • Analysis of cardiologic, infectious disease, cancer factors,
    • Drug concentrations

    Analyses may be conducted with the following material: sera, plasma and culture media.

  5. Analysis of specific immunoglobulins E using ImmunoCAP 100 apparatus:

    • Phadiatop test for differentiation of atopic and non-atopic diseases,
    • Total IgE,
    • Total IgE (low level) – for small children,
    • Specific IgE – over 500 allergies and 70 mixes,
    • Eosynophilic protein ECP – monitoring of asthma treatment,
    • tryptase – monitoring of anaphylaxis,
    • gliadins IgA and IgG – child food intolerance,
    • specific IgA reference to milk proteins,
    • specific IgG and IgG4,
    • anti-thyroid antibodies: anti-TPO, anti-TG,
    • above 22 parameters within autoimmunological diseases in IgG, IgA classes.

    Material required for analysis: 40 µl of patient serum.

  6. Qualitative and quantitative in vitro determination of human IgG and IgE with the use of Euroimmun equipment:

    • Immunoblott to determine specific allergenic IgE antibodies in human sera,
    • The panels concerning mix of 20 allergens in one strip (pollen, pollen-pediatric, food, atopic), two for insect venoms and „pediatric profile” concerning 27 the most popular allergens i.a.: white and yolk of egg, milk proteins, wheat flour, rice, soy, fruits and vegetables within food allergens, and grass and tree pollens, Dermatophagoides allergens, and animals epidermis within pollen allergens.

    Material required for analysis: 100 µl of patient sera.

  7. Detection of functional proteins (cytokines, effector proteins, receptors, cell surface markers or antibodies) released by single cells with the use of ELISpot (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot Assay).

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COST

COST Action CA21139 – 3Rs concepts to improve the quality of biomedical science (IMPROVE).

COST Action CA21149 – Reducing acrylamide exposure of consumers by a cereals supply-chain approach targeting asparagine (ACRYRED).

COST Action CA20128 – Promoting Innovation of ferMENTed fOods.

COST Action ​CA18113 – Understanding and exploiting the impacts of low pH on micro-organisms.

Completed Actions

COST Action CA16119 CellFit – In vitro 3-D total cell guidance and fitness.

COST Action FA1402 ImpARAS – Improving Allergy Risk Assessment Strategy for new food proteins.

COST Action FA1403 POSITIVe – Interindividual variation in response to consumption of plant food bioactives and determinants involved.

COST Action FA 1205 AQUAGAMETE – Assessing and improving the quality of aquatic animal gametes to enhance aquatic resources – The need to harmonize and standardize evolving methodologies, and improve transfer from academia to industry.

COST Action FA1201 EPICONCEPT – Epigenetics and Periconception Environment.

COST Action FA1005 INFOGESTImproving health properties of food by sharing our knowledge on the digestive process

COST Action FA0702 GEMINI – Maternal Interaction With Gametes and Embryo.

COST Action FA0801 LarvaNet – Critical success factors for fish larval production in European Aquaculture: a multidisciplinary network.

COST 926 – Impact of new technologies on the health benefits and safety of bioactive plant compounds.

COST 927 – Thermally processed foods: possible health implications.

COST Action 958 – Viticulture: biotic and abiotic stress – grapevine defence mechanism and grape development.

COST Action D31 – Novel and specific anion receptors for use in sensor technology.

COST FA802 – Feed for health.

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Equipment

  1. Work station designated to immunoenzymatic analysis of hormone concentration (ELISA) consists of:
    • ELISA microplate reader (KHB)
    • Spectrophotometer working with cuvetes and microplates (Multiscan Spectrum, Thermo Scientific)
    • Automatic well washer
    • Microplate incubator (Heraeus)
  2. Work station designated to immunoisotopic analysis of hormone concentration (RIA) consists of:
    • Beta radiation counter
    • Gamma radiation counter
    • Radiochemical hood
    • Beckman centrifuge
    • Hamilton microlab
    • Laboratorial scales
    • Deep-freezer (-85°C)
  3. Chemiluminescent  analyser IMMULITE® 1000:
    • enables analysis of over 90 tests
    • enables simultaneous analysis of 5 different parameters in one sample
    • automatic dilutions for selected tests
    • efficiency 129 tests per hour
    • enables conduction of analysis in the standard and “Turbo” mode
  4. ImmunoCAP 100:
    • fully automatic providing automatic sampling, and printing results obtained
    • the max capacity of the carousel is 48 wells
    • the max time required for conduction of the analysis is 2.4 hours
    • automatic sample dilution
    • simultaneous conduction of several analysis within one sample of the blood serum
  5. EuroimmunQuantitative in vitro tests designated to determine human IgG antibodies against selected antigens (autoimmunological and infectious diseases) as well as specific IgE directed to allergens. The set consists of test stripes with pure allergens along with set of reagents. Data analysis is conducted with EURLineScan programme.
  6. ELISpot (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot Assay)
    • EliScan – scan to read the spots
    • Eli Analyse – software for computer analysis enables automatic background correction, algorithms of contaminant determination, calculation of spot size, intensity, shape and color, Dual-Color analysis, statistical evaluation of replicates, analysis of microplates series.

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Equipment

The unit for a comprehensive analysis of the quality of semen of mammals, birds, fish and mammalian embryos.

The unit is equipped with:

  • Fluorescence microscope BX 51 as a fully motorized in the xyz axes, with a set of image analysis with high resolution cameras in the double screen version. Software for complex image analysis, including deconvolution, automatic detection of objects;
  • BX 41 Microscope equipped with the systems KF for acquisition and image analysis, enabling observation of a wide range of lethal temperatures;
  • Systems for computer analysis of sperm motion (CASA), Hobson’s Vision (analog-digital system), the digital CASA systems – Medical IH (CRISMAS) and Hamilton Thorne (CEROS II);
  • IX70 inverted microscope with fluorescence and micromanipulators for analysis of oocytes and embryos combined with the analysis software MicroImage.

The unit of the professional preservation of gametes and embryos.

The unit is equipped with:

  • Systems Minicool and IceCube 14s for the programmed and computer controlled freezing process of biological material;
  • Equipment for the automatic freezing of sperm-MT Freezer;
  • System for freezing the biological material over the surface of the liquid nitrogen (adjustable freezing height);
  • Printer for printing data at straws – Easy Coder;
  • Semi-automatic filling machine and closing the straws – SFS 133;
  • Automatic filling and sealing machine – MPP Quattro;
  • Ultrasonic and thermal sealers to seal the straws;
  • Containers of different capacities for storing frozen material;
  • Counter with the possibility of cooling up to 0° C to carry out various stages of technological preservation of gametes and embryos.

The unit is also equipped with the generator of the liquid nitrogen and the necessary equipment (yield approximately 2L N2/h).

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Methods and analysis

The laboratory facilities, equipment and technology as well as professional staff members allow us to maintain and develop the center of the collection, evaluation, preservation and storage in liquid nitrogen of the genetic reserves of many animal species. Computer operating system for sperm motility analysis (CASA) enable studying of the effects of various factors, including pollutants and/or toxicants occurring in the environment, on the morphology and sperm motion parameters. It is also useful in assessing quality of male gametes after cryopreservation.

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Methods and analysis

  • 2-D Electrophoresis – determination of isoelectric point and molecular mass, analysis of protein profiles;
  • Isolation of protein and peptides using FPLC, determination of the main physico-chemical properties of protein;
  • Measurement of sperm concentration;
  • Kinetics analysis (determination of enzyme and inhibitor concentration, measurement of the equilibrium association constant for inhibitor – proteinase complexes;
  • Electroelution of proteins from polyacrylamide gel.

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Equipment

  1. An integrated system for 2-Dimensional (2D) Electrophoresis includes:
    • System for 2D electrophoresis (IPGphor 3 IEF System – first dimension; Ethan DALTsix Large Vertical System – second dimension),
    • System for gel analysis and documentation (ImageScanner III),
    • System for picking protein spots from 2D gels (Etttan spot picker),
    • System for in-gel digestion of proteins from 2-D electrophoresis gel plugs (Ettan Digester),
    • System for spotting digested proteins onto MALDI MS targets (Ettan Spotter),
  2. Freeze-drier with accesories;
  3. VersaFluor Fluorometr;
  4. Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography System (ÄKTApurifier);
  5. Ultra low temperature freezers;
  6. Spectrophotometer (Beckman DU800) with accessories;
  7. Ultrasonicator (Sonics vibra cell);
  8. Apparatus for electroelution of proteins from polyacrylamide gels (Whole Gel Eluter Harvesting  Box).

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CENEXFOOD

Centre of Excellence for Knowledge Transfer, Research and Education in Food and Health for Central and Eastern Europe

In 2000, the Division of Food Science obtained the status of „Centre of Excellence” within the area of „Food and Health” in the frame of the I Horizontal INCO Programme. The main aim of a 3-year Project was: Intensification and extension of studies currently conducted in the Institute through deyelopment ofcioser co-operation with leading scientific centres of the European Union and Centres of Accession Countries dealing withfood science within:

  • biochemical studies covering immunogenic and allergenic properties of natural and modified food components;
  • identification of potentially beneficial compounds from the viewpoint of human nutrition in raw materials of plant origin and studies on their transformation in food processing and its sensory consequences;
  • biologically-nutritional studies on the bioavailability of selected food com ponents and their influence on life proces ses;
  • microbiological studies on determination of probiotic functions of milk fermentation bacteria in the intestine and their application in technology for functional food;
  • physical and chemical studies on the relations between functional properties and microstructure of food;
  • studies aiming constructing ion-selective electrodes and sensors designed for food analysis;

The above tasks were achieved through:

Scientific Co-ordinator: Prof. Dr. Halina Kozłowska

Institute Of Animal Reproduction And Food Reseaerch (in 2000)

The Institute was established in 1988. At present, the Institute consists of 140 employees (18 professors). In the structure of the Institute two divisions are functioning: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Pathology, and Division of Food Science. In the rank of institutions working in the field of agricultural sciences conducted by the Committee for Scientific Research in Poland, the Institute has been holding a leading position at present and in the last years. The Institute is entitled to confer Doctor and Habilitation’s degrees in the field of Food and Nutrition as well as Animal Husbandry.

Division Of Food Science (in 2000)

Division of Food Science is located in a new building (about 3000 sqm) equipped with modern and technologically advanced facilities. Scientific activity of the Division of Food Science is conducted in 10 Departments and concentrates on:

  • research – over 100 scientific papers published annually;
  • organisation of conferences and workshops (international and domestic);
  • realisation and co-ordination of scientific research programs;
  • commercial and academic expertise;
  • providing professional training;
  • edition of scientific journals;

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