New non-invasive approaches for proteomics and metabolomics analyses

Recent technological developments in analytical chemistry spurred the analysis of historical, archaeological and paleontological objects. The Identification of proteins and small molecules from cultural heritage objects is crucial to characterize the materials used by the artists and it can provide invaluable information for designing restoration interventions. All most the developed analytical procedures require at least a micro sampling from the object. However, non-invasive techniques are always preferred for the analysis of precious and unique objects. A part of this PhD research focused on the development and application of new non-invasive methods for the analysis of cultural heritage. A new method for the non-invasive analysis of proteins and small molecules with mass spectrometry from cultural heritage objects was discussed; the results obtained using a non-invasive imaging instrument on ancient Egyptian mural paintings were also presented; the development and application of non-invasive methods that use portable infrared spectroscopy instrumentation were shown. The recent revolution in mass spectrometry technology with the introduction of high throughput instruments and techniques has led to the widespread expansion of advanced analytical methods in health science. But today, the main target of modern mass spectrometry analysis in biomedical research can be summarize as the development of effective and reliable approaches able of discriminating diseased conditions at their earliest stage, in a non or minimally-invasive manner. The aim of the second part of this PhD research was the development and application of non-invasive methods for the analysis of biological materials. A new method for the non-invasive analysis and characterization of adenoma in colon rectal cancer was presented and a combined bi and mono-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry approach for the identification of new biomarkers for prostate cancer in serum was discussed.