MS used to study Aspergillus species

Scientists have used a form of mass spectrometry (MS) in a study into extracts of Aspergillus species.

In the investigation, published by BMC Microbiology and undertaken by a number of scientific laboratories in France and Belgium, the team sought to confirm whether MS protein profiles can be used as specific signatures to distinguish between different Aspergillus species or mutants within species.

The team undertook analysis of protein profiles of both somatic and metabolic extracts of Aspergillus species.

Aspergillus is a fungus which causes a number of types of the disease aspergillosis, which can affect any area of the body but is most common in the lungs and sinuses.

Following the analysis, the scientists deemed that surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was an ideal method to point out fungal components specifically produced by a wild-type strain or natural mutants.

The team suggested that the study provides attractive potential for further investigation of Aspergillus biology or pathogenesis.