Research
Our laboratory performs research in different fields of natural and applied sciences using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Below are described our main research interests. However, due to the huge potential and applicability of NMR, it can be used to study many other systems. We are always very eager to start new collaborations!
1. NMR metabolic profiling
NMR is a strong and unique tool to qualitatively and quantitatively characterise molecules present in a sample. Using NMR metabolic profiling it is possible to detect metabolites such as amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, carbohydrates, nucleotides, lipids, etc. The amount and ratio of these molecules determines the metabolism and thus health status of the investigated organism. We focus on the health status of men and livestock, searching for essential biomarkers that indicate the welfare of the studied organisms.
Within the national FHF project "Effekter av fôr, stress og miljø på pigmentering i laks" coordinated by Nofima we analyse how the carotenoid astaxanthin is metabolised in salmon upon different diets and stress conditions.
2. Food chemistry
NMR can be used to study the nutritional and organoleptic quality of various food products. We characterise and monitor through time many metabolites that have either a positive (vitamins) or negative (biogenic amines) effects on the sample. Our group is involved in the characterisation of nutritional, organoleptic and freshness parameters in different fish species. Our studies show how different metabolites change and influence fish tissues over time. With this research we aim to ensure that customers receive high quality fish products.
The EU-funded SUSMILK project aims to decrease transportation costs and the amount of water utilised in the dairy sector (link). Within this project, we analyse milk properties after different technological steps such as concentration.
Using NMR and statistical tools, it is also possible to determine the provenience of food products (oil, honey, wine, juice, beer, etc.), thus possibly detecting frauds. Our group performs authentication and quality assessment of vegetable oils of different origins.
3. Waste and biomass reuse
In Europe, each person on average produces 2.5 kg of waste per day. Moreover, industries also significantly contribute to waste generation. Our group conducts research on the identification of various molecules constituting waste samples and on their possible reutilisation pathways. We study the conditions in which waste can be more efficiently utilised as substrate for other processes and determine metabolites which can be profitably extracted.
Within the SUSMILK project, we analyse dairy production waste waters in order to utilise their full economic potential and increase sustainability of the dairy sector (link).
The EU-funded ERA-NET SUSFOOD BIOSUCK project deals with the reutilisation of waste produced by fish and meat industries. Our group studies the waste samples in order to find the most suitable, reliable and profitable way of their reutilisation (link).
The H2020 co-fund ERA-NET SWEEDHART project deals with developing weed management and reutilisation approaches for commercial fields. In this project Dikiy Lab will analyse the weed biomass and determine high-added value compounds (link).
Within our collaboration with Sintef Fiskeri AS, using NMR spectroscopy we investigate how to best store and reutilise fish organs for the food and feed industry.
4. Structural biomedical research
NMR spectroscopy can be utilised to determine the three dimensional structure of proteins as well as to find interaction motives with other molecules. This can be utilised to conduct drug screening for biopharmaceutical companies.
Our group studies the structural properties of the p16 protein of the Naked Mole Rat. This is an animal characterised by its longevity and disease resistance and its p16 protein was found to differ from the human one and be involved in these processes.
We are also studying different human redox proteins, such as SelW, TGR, MsrB1/2, etc. These proteins play a crucial role in the prevention of redox stress and thus many diseases.