Using state-of-the-art chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods, our lab provides chemical analysis of plant and fungal secondary metabolites such as mycotoxins, phytohormones, phytoalexins, and other phytochemicals, in addition to the analysis of the volatiles (VOCs) and small molecular primary metabolites, such as fatty acids, amino acids, sugars, and alcohols. We also perform preparative chromatography for the purification of specific natural products. We support fundamental and applied research and provide our students, investigators, and research collaborators with the required analytical solutions.

Our lab is NOT a service facility; therefore, we cooperate with external projects only within a framework of scientific collaboration.

        The scope of chemical analysis we perform includes the following:  

• Metabolomics: We perform comprehensive metabolite profiling for targeted and non-targeted metabolic studies using high-resolution mass spectrometry. This approach helps in understanding changes in metabolite levels in response to treatments and offers valuable insights into crucial metabolites involved in these responses.

• Mycotoxin analysis (regulated, non-regulated, masked and emerging mycotoxins, as well as other fungal secondary metabolites)
• Phytochemical analysis (phytohormones, phytoalexins, as well as other chemical classes of plant secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, glucosinolates and saponins)
• Primary metabolome analysis (sugars, amino acids, alcohols, fatty acids)
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Analysis (plant and fungal derived volatile organic compounds)
• Purification of secondary metabolites from fungal and plant extracts: for conducting bioassay-guided fractionation experiments, purifying analytical standards when commercial standards are not available or affordable, and facilitating the structure elucidation process of a new compound

This is a powerful and highly sensitive instrument for analyzing mycotoxins and secondary plant metabolites such as phytohormones and other phytochemicals. Moreover, LC/TQ MS is a well-known method for analyzing pesticides and other contaminants in food, feed, and environmental samples.

This instrument delivers high-resolution mass spectrometry and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS). It is a powerful technique for identifying novel compounds and for non-targeted metabolic profiling.

GCMS is a highly sensitive technique for characterizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (such as terpenoids, benzenoids, and fatty acid derivatives compounds) and for other small molecular metabolites, such as fatty acids, amino acids, sugars, alcohols, and sterols.

Fungal Toxins (M.Cp.0008) *The module 'Fungal Toxins' was awarded 1st Place in the Master's Programs by the Faculty in 2024.
Analytical Techniques for Foods and Agricultural Research (M.Cp.0025)





Almoujahed Muhammad Baraa; Apolo Orly Enrique; Alhussein Mohammad; Kazlauskas Marius; Kriaučiūnienė Zita; Šarauskis Egidijus, Mouazen Abdul M (2025): Prediction of Deoxynivalenol contamination in wheat kernels and flour based on visible near-infrared spectroscopy, feature selection and machine learning modelling, Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy. DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2025.125718

Chea Leangsrun, Alhussein Mohammad, Karlovsky Petr, Pawelzik Elke and Naumann Marcel (2024): Adaptation of potato cultivars to phosphorus variability and enhancement of phosphorus efficiency by Bacillus subtilis. BMC Plant Biology. DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05868-x

Sarenqimuge Sarenqimuge, Yao Wang, Alhussein Mohammad, Koopmann Birger, von Tiedemann Andreas (2024): The interplay of suppressive soil bacteria and root exudates determines the germination of microsclerotia of V. longisporum. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. DOI: 10.1128/aem.00589-24

Schiwek Simon, Slonka Matthäus, Alhussein Mohammad, Dennis Knierim, Paolo Margaria, Hanna Rose, Katja Richert-Pöggeler, Michael Rostas and Petr Karlovsky (2024): Mycoviruses suppress production of mycotoxin deoxynivalenol by Fusarium graminearum. Toxins. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16030131

Engelhardt Layla, Pöhnl Tobias, Alhussein Mohammad, John Michael, and Neugart Susanne (2023): Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of three Amaranthus L. Genotypes from a Model to Household Processing. Food Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136891

Posada-Vergara Catalina; Lohaus Katharina; Alhussein Mohammad; Vidal Stefan; Rostás, Michael (2022): Root colonization by entomopathogenic fungi primes plant defense. Journal of Fungi. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8090969.

Hampe Tristan; Liersch Julia; Wiechens Bernhard; Wassmann, Torsten; Schubert, Andrea; Alhussein Mohammad; Bürgers Ralf; Krohn, Sebastian (2022). A Pilot Study on Monomer and Bisphenol A (BPA) Release from UDMA-Based and Conventional Indirect Veneering Composites. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214580.

Schiwek Simon; Alhussein Mohammad; Rodemann Charlotte; Budragchaa Tuvshinjargal; Beule Lukas; von Tiedemann Andreas; Karlovsky Petr (2022). Fusarium culmorum Produces NX-2 Toxin Simultaneously with Deoxynivalenol and 3-Acetyl-Deoxynivalenol. Toxins. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins14070456.

Hampe Tristan; Wiessner Andreas; Frauendorf Holm; Alhussein Mohammad; Karlovsky, Petr; Bürgers Ralf; Krohn, Sebastian (2022). Monomer Release from Dental Resins: The Current Status on Study Setup, Detection and Quantification for In Vitro Testing. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091790.

Díaz Mariana Andrea; Pereyra Martina María; Santander Fabricio Fabián; Perez María Florencia; María Córdoba, Josefina; Alhussein Mohammad; Karlovsky Petr; Rafael Dib, Julián (2020). Protection of Citrus Fruits from Postharvest Infection with Penicillium digitatum and Degradation of Patulin by Biocontrol Yeast Clavispora lusitaniae 146. Microorganisms. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8101477








If you have a relevant collaboration proposal, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are eager to explore innovative ideas together.