Sigma DC1 -TQ11000026 – LipoQuant kit (2025-2026)
Research partners: Chromservis s.r.o.
This project, funded by the TAČR SIGMA – Proof of Concept programme, is focused on the development of a novel bioanalytical kit (LipoQuant Kit) for the quantitative analysis of lipid-bound fatty acids in complex biological matrices. Lipid-bound fatty acids represent a major fraction of cellular lipids and play a central role in energy metabolism, membrane structure, signalling pathways, and the biosynthesis of biologically active molecules. Despite their importance, their routine quantitative analysis remains technically demanding and methodologically inconsistent across laboratories.
The main objective of the project is to transform an experimentally validated laboratory workflow into a robust, standardized, and user-friendly analytical kit suitable for routine use in academic research, clinical laboratories, and applied biotechnology. The LipoQuant Kit integrates sample preparation, selective derivatization, and LC-MS-based detection into a single coherent workflow that enables sensitive, reproducible, and high-throughput quantification of lipid-bound fatty acids.
A key innovation of the project lies in the selective pre-analytical separation of lipid-bound and free fatty acids, followed by controlled derivatization of the released fatty acids prior to analysis. This approach significantly reduces matrix effects, improves analytical sensitivity, and allows clear discrimination between lipid-bound and non-bound fatty acid pools. The method is compatible with a wide range of sample types, including biological tissues, biofluids (serum, plasma), food matrices, and nutritional supplements.
The project is carried out in close collaboration with the industrial partner Chromservis s.r.o., which contributes expertise in kit manufacturing, quality control, distribution, and market deployment. This partnership ensures that the developed solution directly addresses real-world analytical needs and has a clear pathway toward practical application.
By bridging cutting-edge bioanalytical research with applied development, the project strengthens technology transfer from academia to industry and supports the creation of innovative analytical tools with broad relevance for metabolomics, lipidomics, biomedical research, and food and nutritional analysis.
