National Doctoral Programme in
Informational and Structural Biology

We have a broad chemical, biochemical and biological knowledge of the heptapeptide microcystins and pentapeptide nodularins. The overall goal of our research is the understanding of the impact, role and structure-toxicity relationships of microcystins and nodularins in individual organisms and ecosystems. For this purpose, it is of vital importance to have access to advanced analytical tools, both quantitative and qualitative. Our current projects concern a) development of sophisticated chromatographic analyses for microcystins and nodularins based on LC-UV, LC-FL, LC-MS (on Micromass triple quadrupole and Agilent ion trap instruments) and use of the cyclic peptides as model compounds for biochromatography b) derivatizations of the toxins for toxicological and analytical purposes, and related structural work c) development of ELISA and TR-FIA immunoassays for the toxins d) investigations of toxin penetration in lipid layers by surface barostat and fluorescence anisotropy techniques and e) application of the analytical battery for studies of toxicological (including plant physiology), ecotoxicological and hygienic nature.