Application of diffusion kurtosis imaging in differential diagnosis of focal liver lesions.

Purpose: Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) is an MRI method related to diffusion imaging (DWI) that is distinguished by a non-Gaussian calculation of water particles movements in tissues. The aim of the study was to assess DKI advantage over DWI in differentiating benign and malignant liver lesions. Material and methods: Analysis included prospectively acquired group of 83 patients referred consecutively for 3T-MRI liver tumor examination, with 95 liver lesions (31 benign, 59 malignant). MRI assessments were performed with standard protocol and DKI sequence with seven b-values (0-2,000 s/mm2). Quantitative data were acquired by placing ROIs in liver tumors on all b-value images, ROI data extracted, and calculation of DWI and DKI parameters. ADC was calculated for all b-values (ADC0-2000) and for three values of b = 0, 500, and 750 (s/mm2) (ADC0-500-750). DKI and ADC parameters for benign and malignant lesions were compared, and ROC curves were plotted. Results: Significant differences were obtained for all DKI and ADC parameters. ROC analysis showed AUC of DK, K, ADC0-2000, and ADC0-500-750 was 0.74, 0.77, 0.77, and 0.75, respectively. The highest sensitivity (of 0.91) was obtained for ADC0-2000. The highest specificity (0.65) and accuracy (0.80) was obtained for K. Conclusion: DKI technique yields statistically comparable results with DWI technique.

The Urinary Concentrations of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin, Cystatin C and Osteopontin in the Healthy Term and Stable Preterm Neonates: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: In neonates, the assessment of kidney function with serum creatinine is limited; therefore, more effective biomarkers are needed. AIM: The study aimed at analyzing the concentrations of renal biomarkers (osteopontin, cystatin C, and NGAL) in neonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 80 term and 20 preterm neonates aged 28-33 weeks of gestation. Biomarkers were measured in urine. Term neonates' urine was collected on the 1st day of life. Preterm neonates' urine was collected on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd day of life. Biomarkers' concentrations were normalized to urinary creatinine (cr.) and presented as urinary biomarker/cr. ratios. RESULTS: Median values of biomarker/creatine ratios in term and preterm neonates were the following: cystatin C/cr.: 7.26 and 439.49; osteopontin/cr.: 135.86 and 1633.37; NGAL/cr. in girls: 212.14 and 256.93; and NGAL/cr. in boys 27.123 and 65.29 ng/mg cr. In preterm neonates the cystatin C/cr. ratio was higher on the 1st than on the 8th day. The osteopontin/cr. ratio did not differ between the days. The NGAL/cr. ratio in girls was higher on the 8th than on the 22nd day, and in boys, the lowest was on the 22nd day. CONCLUSIONS: Prematurity in stable, Caucasian neonates might cause higher osteopontin and cystatin C excretion, but not NGAL. The excretion of NGAL and cystatin C, but not osteopontin, may change during first weeks of premature neonate's life.

Comprehensive Study of Si-Based Compounds in Selected Plants (Pisum sativum L., Medicago sativa L., Triticum aestivum L.).

This review describes the role of silicon (Si) in plants. Methods of silicon determination and speciation are also reported. The mechanisms of Si uptake by plants, silicon fractions in the soil, and the participation of flora and fauna in the Si cycle in terrestrial ecosystems have been overviewed. Plants of Fabaceae (especially Pisum sativum L. and Medicago sativa L.) and Poaceae (particularly Triticum aestivum L.) families with different Si accumulation capabilities were taken into consideration to describe the role of Si in the alleviation of the negative effects of biotic and abiotic stresses. The article focuses on sample preparation, which includes extraction methods and analytical techniques. The methods of isolation and the characterization of the Si-based biologically active compounds from plants have been overviewed. The antimicrobial properties and cytotoxic effects of known bioactive compounds obtained from pea, alfalfa, and wheat were also described.

Advanced Mass Spectrometric Techniques for the Comprehensive Study of Synthesized Silicon-Based Silyl Organic Compounds: Identifying Fragmentation Pathways and Characterization.

The primary objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize novel silicon-based silyl organic compounds in order to gain a deeper understanding of their potential applications and interactions with other compounds. Four new artificial silyl organic compounds were successfully synthesized: 1-O-(Trimethylsilyl)-2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-ß-d-glucopyranose (compound 1), 1-[(1,1-dimethylehtyl)diphenylsilyl]-1H-indole (compound 2), O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-(3-hydroxypropyl)oleate (compound 3), and 1-O-tert-Butyldiphenylsilyl-myo-inositol (compound 4). To thoroughly characterize these synthesized compounds, a combination of advanced mass spectrometric techniques was employed, including nanoparticle-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (NALDI-MS), Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS), and triple quadrupole electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (QqQ ESI-MS/MS). These analytical methods enabled the accurate identification and characterization of the synthesized silyl organic compounds, providing valuable insights into their properties and potential applications. Furthermore, the electrospray ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR-MS/MS) technique facilitated the proposal of fragmentation pathways for the ionized silyl organic compounds, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their behavior during mass spectrometric analysis. These findings suggest that mass spectrometric techniques offer a highly effective means of investigating and characterizing naturally occurring silicon-based silyl organic compounds, with potential implications for advancing research in various fields and applications in different industries.

Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization, and Antibacterial Performance of Silver-Lactoferrin Complexes.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose one of the major threats to human health worldwide. The issue is fundamental in the case of chronic wound treatment. One of the latest trends to overcome the problem is the search for new antibacterial agents based on silver. Thus, the aim of this research was to synthesize the silver-lactoferrin complex as a new generation of substances for the treatment of infected wounds. Moreover, one of the tasks was to investigate the formation mechanisms of the respective complexes and the influence of different synthesis conditions on the features of final product. The batch-sorption study was performed by applying the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models for the process description. Characterization of the complexes was carried out by spectroscopy, spectrometry, and separation techniques, as well as with electron microscopy. Additionally, the biological properties of the complex were evaluated, i.e., the antibacterial activity against selected bacteria and the impact on L929 cell-line viability. The results indicate the formation of a heterogeneous silver-lactoferrin complex that comprises silver nanoparticles. The complex has higher antibacterial strength than both native bovine lactoferrin and Ag+, while being comparable to silver toxicity.

Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Core-needle Biopsy of Focal Pancreatic Lesions - Practical Aspectss.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous core-needle biopsy is an excellent diagnostic tool for solid pancreatic lesions. It allows for identifying neoplastic pancreatic tumors with nearly 100% sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Unresectable tumor assessment prior to planned palliative treatment is the primary indication for percutaneous pancreatic tumor biopsy. In the case of potential tumors eligible for radical surgery, endosonography-guided biopsy is used, if clinically necessary, to avoid the peritoneal spread of tumor cells during puncture. The possibility of obtaining a specimen for a detailed microscopic assessment during an easily accessible and simple procedure is the main advantage of core-needle biopsy over the low, yet higher when compared to other biopsy techniques, risk of complications. Obtaining tissue samples for molecular analysis is essential for palliative targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer and may become the main indication for the common core-needle biopsy of inoperable pancreatic tumors in the near future. The present paper describes the indications and the technique for core-needle biopsy in pancreatic tumors. Based on the studies published to date, the safety of the procedure, significant complications, including bleeding in particular, and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, also compared to other biopsy techniques, have been summarized. The present paper may contribute to the introduction of core-needle biopsy of pancreatic masses into clinical practice.

Combination of HLA-DQ2/-DQ8 Haplotypes and a Single MSH5 Gene Variant in a Polish Population of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes as a First Line Screening for Celiac Disease?

Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk for developing celiac disease (CD). The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of celiac-specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype and the rs3130484 variant of MSH5 gene, a previously described non-HLA variant associated with CD in the Polish population as a first-line screening for CD in T1D pediatric patients. Serological CD screening performed in the T1D group (n = 248) and healthy controls (n = 551) allowed for CD recognition in 20 patients (8.1%) with T1D (T1D + CD group). HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8 and the rs3130484 variant were genotyped with TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. The T1D + CD group presented a higher, but not statistically significant, frequency of HLA-DQ2 in comparison with T1D subjects. Combining the rs3130484 with HLA-DQ2/HLA-DQ8 typing significantly increased the sensitivity of HLA testing from 32.7% to 68.7%, and the accuracy of estimating CD prediction from 51.7% to 86.4% but decreased the specificity from 100% to 78.2%. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the best discrimination for the combination of both genetic tests with an area under curve reaching 0.735 (95% CI: 0.700-0.7690) in comparison with 0.664 (95% CI: 0.632-0.696) for HLA typing alone. Results show the low utility of HLA-DQ2/HLA-DQ8 typing for CD screening in T1D pediatric patients. Combination of the rs3130484 variant of the MSH5 gene and HLA testing increases both the sensitivity and the predictive value of the test accuracy, but still, the obtained values are not satisfactory for recommending such testing as the first-line screening for CD in T1D patients.

Investigation of the mechanism of zearalenone metabolization in different systems: Electrochemical and theoretical approaches.

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by mold fungi, which commonly contaminate cereal crops. These compounds include zearalenone (ZEA), which may disturb the proper functioning of the endocrine system in mammals. The metabolism of ZEA plays a key role in its toxic properties. The type and amount of produced metabolites may contribute to both the reduction and increase in its pathogenic effect. Therefore, it is extremely important to investigate the possible pathways of zearalenone metabolism. The electrochemical approach may prove alternatives for the in vitro and in vivo methods. For this reason, in this study the electrochemical, theoretical and in vitro assays were applied to determine the possible ZEA metabolism mechanism. Electrochemical processes were conducted in the EC/ESI-MS system. The application of HPLC-MS/MS allowed to characterize the obtained electrochemical products specific for phase I and II. Appropriate conditions for redox identification processes were optimized with regard to such parameters as the potential value, mobile phase and working electrode. In addition, the data obtained by instrumental techniques for ZEA metabolism were compared with those obtained by in vitro methods for HepG2 cell lines. Furthermore, results from quantum mechanical calculations allowed to explain the mechanism and the conformational stability of the reduction products.

Perfusion-Diffusion Ratio: A New IVIM Approach in Differentiating Solid Benign and Malignant Primary Lesions of the Liver.

INTRODUCTION: In order to improve the efficacy of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters in characterising specific tissues, a new concept is introduced: the perfusion-diffusion ratio (PDR), which expresses the relationship between the signal S(b) decline rate as a result of IVIM and the rate of signal S(b) decline due to diffusion. The aim of this study was to investigate this novel approach in the differentiation of solid primary liver lesions. Material and Methods. Eighty-three patients referred for liver MRI between August 2017 and January 2020 with a suspected liver tumour were prospectively examined with the standard liver MRI protocol extended by DWI-IVIM sequence. Patients with no liver lesions, haemangiomas, or metastases were excluded. The final study population consisted of 34 patients with primary solid liver masses, 9 with FNH, 4 with regenerative nodules, 10 with HCC, and 11 with CCC. The PDR coefficient was introduced, defined as the ratio of the rate of signal S(b) decrease due to the IVIM effect to the rate of signal S(b) decrease due to the diffusion process, for b = 0. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between benign and malignant lesions in the case of IVIM parameters (f, D, or D ∗) and ADC. Significant differences were observed only for PDR, with lower values for malignant lesions (p = 0.03). The ROC analysis yielded an AUC value for PDR equal to 0.74, with a cut-off value of 5.06, sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 77%, and accuracy of 79%. CONCLUSION: PDR proved to be more effective than IVIM parameters and ADC in the differentiation of solid benign and malignant primary liver lesions.

The Study on Molecular Profile Changes of Pathogens via Zinc Nanocomposites Immobilization Approach.

The most critical group of all includes multidrug resistant bacteria that pose a particular threat in hospitals, as they can cause severe and often deadly infections. Modern medicine still faces the difficult task of developing new agents for the effective control of bacterial-based diseases. The targeted administration of nanoparticles can enhance the efficiency of conventional pharmaceutical agents. However, the interpretation of interfaces' interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems still remains a challenge for researchers. In fact, the current research presents a strategy for using ZnO NPs immobilization with ampicillin and tetracycline. Firstly, the study provides the mechanism of the ampicillin and tetracycline binding on the surface of ZnO NPs. Secondly, it examines the effect of non-immobilized ZnO NPs, immobilized with ampicillin (ZnONPs/AMP) and tetracycline (ZnONPs/TET), on the cells' metabolism and morphology, based on the protein and lipid profiles. A sorption kinetics study showed that the antibiotics binding on the surface of ZnONPs depend on their structure. The efficiency of the process was definitely higher in the case of ampicillin. In addition, flow cytometry results showed that immobilized nanoparticles present a different mechanism of action. Moreover, according to the MALDI approach, the antibacterial activity mechanism of the investigated ZnO complexes is mainly based on the destruction of cell membrane integrity by lipids and proteins, which is necessary for proper cell function. Additionally, it was noticed that some of the identified changes indicate the activation of defense mechanisms by cells, leading to a decrease in the permeability of a cell's external barriers or the synthesis of repair proteins.

Problems with identifying and distinguishing salivary streptococci: a multi-instrumental approach.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to create an alternative protocol for the DNA-based identification of salivary microbiota focused on the distinguishing of Streptococcus species. Materials & methods: Salivary bacteria were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing and proteins and lipids profiling using MALDI-TOF/MS as well as FTIR analysis. Results: Most of the isolates belonged to streptococci - mostly the salivarious group indistinguishable by the molecular technique. In turn, MALDI analysis allowed for their fast and reliable classification. Although FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated the correct species classification, the spectra interpretation was time consuming and complicated. Conclusion: MALDI-TOF/MS demonstrated the biggest effectiveness in the identification and discrimination between the salivary streptococci, which could be easily incorporated in the workflow of routine microbiological laboratories.

The Influence of Different Forms of Silver on Selected Pathogenic Bacteria.

The application of silver nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent is becoming more common. Unfortunately, their effect on microorganisms is still not fully understood. Therefore, this paper attempts to investigate the influence of silver ions, biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles and nanoparticles functionalized with antibiotics on molecular bacteria profiles. The initial stage of research was aimed at the mechanism determination involved in antibiotics sorption onto nanoparticles' surface. For this purpose, the kinetics study was performed. Next, the functionalized formulations were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and a zeta potential study. The results reveal that functionalization is a complex process, but does not significantly affect the stability of biocolloids. Furthermore, the antimicrobial assays, in most cases, have shown no increases in antibacterial activity after nanoparticle functionalization, which suggests that the functionalization process does not always generate the improved antimicrobial effect. Finally, the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technique was employed to characterize the changes in the molecular profile of bacteria treated with various antibacterial agents. The recorded spectra proved many differences in bacterial lipids and proteins profiles compared to untreated cells. In addition, the statistical analysis of recorded spectra revealed the strain-dependent nature of stress factors on the molecular profile of microorganisms.

Use of Lactobacillus paracasei strain for zearalenone binding and metabolization.

The study investigated the zearalenone (ZEA) neutralization process as a consequence of metabolization and binding process by the probiotic bacterial strain Lactobacillus paracasei using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In order to determine the nature of the binding process the kinetic and spectroscopic approach were used. Moreover, the influence of ZEA on L. paracasei metabolism was examined by the determination of the proteome profile of cells and the profile of volatile compounds (VOCs) produced by bacteria cells. For this purpose the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) techniques were used. The obtained results indicate that in the mechanism of ZEA neutralization both - metabolization/biotransformation and binding/biosorption processes are involved. Furthermore, the biotransformation of ZEA to both α- and ß-ZOL with a predominance of ß-ZOL by lactic acid bacteria strain was recorded. The results suggest that the tested microorganism can be used as a potential detoxification agent for grain and feed.

A study of zearalenone biosorption and metabolisation by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

A study of the mechanism responsible for the zearalenone (ZEA) neutralization by lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis 56 and L929 cell line was carried out by determination of the kinetics of the binding process. In the case of prokaryotic cells the biosorption process was non-linear and three steps were identified. The maximum efficiency of zearalenone binding to L. lactis was almost 30% and no metabolites were observed. In turn, for eukaryotic cells only two steps of the binding process were differentiated, and the efficiency of zearalenone binding was 53.99%. Furthermore, L929 cell line metabolizes zearalenone to α-ZOL and ß-ZOL. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for description of the structural changes at the protein and lipid level, while Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was applied to detect changes at the molecular level.

Investigation of Zearalenone Adsorption and Biotransformation by Microorganisms Cultured under Cellular Stress Conditions.

The zearalenone binding and metabolization ability of probiotic microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillusparacasei, Lactococcus lactis, and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, isolated from food products, were examined. Moreover, the influence of cellular stress (induced by silver nanoparticles) and lyophilization on the effectiveness of tested microorganisms was also investigated. The concentration of zearalenone after a certain time of incubation with microorganisms was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The maximum sorption effectiveness for L.paracasei, L. lactis, and S. cerevisiae cultured in non-stress conditions was 53.3, 41.0, and 36.5%, respectively. At the same time for the same microorganisms cultured at cellular stress conditions, the maximum sorption effectiveness was improved to 55.3, 47.4, and 57.0%, respectively. Also, the effect of culture conditions on the morphology of the cells and its metabolism was examined using microscopic technique and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, respectively.

A New Approach for Spontaneous Silver Ions Immobilization onto Casein.

The work presents the kinetic and isotherm studies of silver binding on casein, which was carried out using batch sorption technique. Moreover, the influence of light irradiation on the process was shown. In order to investigate the mechanism of metal ions sorption by casein the zero, pseudo-first order kinetics and Weber-Morris intra-particle diffusion as well as Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used. Furthermore, to specify more precisely, the possible binding mechanism, the spectroscopic (FT-IR-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman), spectrometric (MALDI-TOF MS-Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry), microscopic (SEM-Scanning Electron Microscope, TEM/EDX-Transmission Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray detector) and thermal (TGA-Thermogravimetric Analysis, DTG-Derivative Thermogravimetry) analysis were performed. Kinetic study indicates that silver binding onto casein is a heterogeneous process with two main stages: initial rapid stage related to surface adsorption onto casein with immediate creation of silver nanoparticles and slower second stage of intraglobular diffusion with silver binding in chelated form (metalloproteins) or ion-exchange form. Spectroscopic techniques confirmed the binding process and MALDI-TOF MS analysis show the dominant contribution of the α-casein in the process. Moreover, the treatment of silver-casein complex by artificial physiological fluids was performed.

Common functional alterations identified in blood transcriptome of autoimmune cholestatic liver and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are heterogeneous chronic autoimmune diseases that may share underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Herein, we compared simultaneously analyzed blood transcriptomes from patients with PBC, PSC, and IBD. Microarray-based measurements were conducted using RNA isolated from whole blood samples from 90, 45, 95 and 93 patients with PBC, PSC, CD, and UC, respectively, and 47 healthy controls. Expression levels of selected transcripts were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcribed PCR using an independent cohort of 292, 71 and 727 patients with PBC, PSC, and IBD, respectively. Of 4026, 2650 and 4967 probe sets differentially expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05) in samples from patients with PBC, PSC, and IBD, respectively, compared with healthy controls, 1946 were common to all three comparisons. Functional analyses indicated that most terms enriched for genes differentially expressed in PBC, PSC, and IBD patients compared with healthy controls were related to mitochondrial function, the vesicle endomembrane system, and GTPase-mediated processes. This study indicates that microarray-based profiling of blood gene expression supports research into the molecular mechanisms underlying disease, rather than being useful for selection of diagnostic biomarkers for use in clinical practice.

The influence of different pH on the electrophoretic behaviour of Saccharomyces cerevisiae modified by calcium ions.

The effect of a different pH on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells modified with calcium ions was investigated by the capillary zone electrophoresis technique. For the identification of the wild strain of S. cerevisiae, the ribosomal nucleic acid sequencing and internal transcribed spacer sequencing as well as spectrometric approach were applied. The potentiometric titration and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have shown the occurrence of active functional groups such as carboxyl, amine/hydroxyl, phosphate/hydrogen phosphate groups on the surface of native yeast cells. Moreover, the spectroscopy study in a medium infrared range was carried out to identify the functional groups of yeast cells that participate in calcium ions binding interaction. Furthermore, the microscopic and spectrometric analysis shows that the pH value of the calcium ions solution has a significant effect on the intensity yeast cells clumping. Additionally, the impact of yeast cell clumping on the electrophoretic behaviours was examined. The modification of surface functional groups by calcium ions significantly affected the efficiency of electrophoretic separation. However, these changes did not affect the accuracy of S. cerevisiae identification by MALDI equipment with BioTyper platform. These results form the analytical solution for coupling of electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF MS technique.

Silver nanoparticles functionalized with ampicillin.

The resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics has become a serious problem. The emphasis is placed on the development of new, effective antimicrobial strategies. One of them is the use of AgNPs in association with antibiotic drugs. The aim of this study was to obtain silver nanoparticles functionalized with ampicillin and to investigate the mechanism of binding antibiotics to nanoparticle using high-performance liquid chromatography approach. To confirm the occurrence of silver nanoparticles functionalization, FTIR, MALDI-TOF MS, and DLS analysis and zeta potential measurements were performed. Moreover we assessed the antibacterial activity of biologically synthesized nanoparticles functionalized with ampicillin against a range of gram (+) and gram (-) bacteria strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli.

Identification of Microorganisms by Modern Analytical Techniques.

Rapid detection and identification of microorganisms is a challenging and important aspect in a wide range of fields, from medical to industrial, affecting human lives. Unfortunately, classical methods of microorganism identification are based on time-consuming and labor-intensive approaches. Screening techniques require the rapid and cheap grouping of bacterial isolates; however, modern bioanalytics demand comprehensive bacterial studies at a molecular level. Modern approaches for the rapid identification of bacteria use molecular techniques, such as 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing based on polymerase chain reaction or electromigration, especially capillary zone electrophoresis and capillary isoelectric focusing. However, there are still several challenges with the analysis of microbial complexes using electromigration technology, such as uncontrolled aggregation and/or adhesion to the capillary surface. Thus, an approach using capillary electrophoresis of microbial aggregates with UV and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight MS detection is presented.