Analytical Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Munich

At the Research Unit Analytical Biogeochemistry (BGC), we investigate chemical interactions at interfaces in life sciences. Our mission is a better understanding of chemical processes in microbial ecosystems in nutrition, health and environment to identify molecular key players.

Illustration of human body with molecules

3D Rendering of Bacteria in Human Intestine

Chemistry of Microbiomes

We investigate the complex chemistry of human and model organism microbiomes at interfaces and their alteration in health and disease. In particular, we study how diseases shift molecular signatures and metabolite concentrations and how we can modulate these influences by lifestyle interventions.

Close-up blue cap sample vial on paper with chemical formula

Glycation as an Underexplored Source of Bioactives

We follow glycation chemistry from food towards the gut. By use of our high content screening platform we confirm the bioactive potential of glycation modifications in a long-term aiming to improve human health.

Fluorescence picture of a stauroporine cell assay

New Bioactives & Functional Metabolomics

We capture in-vitro information about the phenotypic reaction to disease specific metabolites on a single cell level. With our worldwide unique methodology, we are able to study functionality and bioactivity of metabolites out of complex mixtures.

Prof. Dr. Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin

Director

Dr. Silke Heinzmann

Scientist

Dr. Alesia Walker

Scientist

Dr. Basem Kanawati

Scientist

Dr. Marianna Lucio

Scientist

Dr. Mourad Harir

Scientist

Bennu polycam mosaic obtained before spacecraft arrival

What connects Helmholtz Munich with space research? The globally unique analytical methods developed by Prof. Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin not only decipher metabolic processes – such as those involved in environmentally triggered diseases or diabetes –…

Hofmann, S. ; Lucio, M. ; Wallukat, G. ; Hoffmanns, J. ; Schröder, T. ; Raith, F. ; Szewczykowski, C. ; Skornia, A. ; Rech, J. ; Schottenhamml, J. ; Harrer, T. ; Ganslmayer, M. ; Mardin, C.Y. ; Flecks, M. ; Lakatos, P. ; Hohberger, B.

Functional autoantibodies targeting G-protein-coupled receptors and their clinical phenotype in patients with long-COVID

Peng, H. ; Pfeiffer, S. ; Varynskyi, B. ; Qiu, M. ; Srinark, C. ; Jin, X. ; Zhang, X. ; Williams, K. ; Groveman, B.R. ; Foliaki, S.T. ; Race, B. ; Thomas, T. ; Chen, C. ; Müller, C. ; Kovács, K.J. ; Arzberger, T. ; Momma, S. ; Haigh, C.L. ; Schick, J.A.

Prion-induced ferroptosis is facilitated by RAC3

Otte, A. ; Wohlrab, S. ; Moritz, F. ; Müller, C. ; Janouškovec, J. ; Michálek, J. ; Cembella, A. ; Voss, D. ; Wang, X. ; Tebben, J. ; Larsen, T.O. ; Edvardsen, B. ; Schmitt-Kopplin, P. ; John, U.

High-resolution multiomics links nutrients and mixotrophy to toxicity in a harmful bloom of the haptophyte Chrysochromulina leadbeateri

de Mello, N. P., Berger, M. T., Lagerborg, K. A., Yan, Y., Wettmarshausen, J., Keipert, S., Weidner, L., Tokarz, J., Möller, G., Ciciliot, S., Walia, S., Cheng, Y., Chudenkova, M., Artati, A., Vogt Waisenhorn, D., Wurst, W., Adamski, J., Nilsson, R., Cossu, G., Boon, A., Kievit, A., Mandemakers, W., Bonifati, V., Jani, M., Jastroch, M., Schmitt-Kopplin, P., Perocchi, F. & Dyar, K. A.

Pervasive glycative stress links metabolic imbalance and muscle atrophy in early-onset Parkinson's disease

Bedarf J.R. ; Romano S. ; Heinzmann S.S. ; Duncan A. ; Traka M.H. ; Ng D. ; Segovia-Lizano D. ; Simon M.-C. ; Narbad A. ; Wüllner U. ; Hildebrand F.

A prebiotic diet intervention can restore faecal short chain fatty acids in Parkinson’s Disease yet fails to restore the gut microbiome homeostasis

Analytical Biogeochemistry

On This Page

Our Research Topics

Chemistry of Microbiomes

Glycation as an Underexplored Source of Bioactives

New Bioactives & Functional Metabolomics

Analytical Portfolio

We develop innovative analytical tools to promote a healthier society

Scientists at BGC

News from BGC

Tracing the First Building Blocks of Life

A Chemical Mystery Solved: The Reaction Explaining Large Carbon Sinks

Recent Publications

Our Networks and Affiliations

Technical University of Munich

German Center for Lung Research

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft

German Center for Diabetes Research

Kiel University

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg

ERA PerMed Consortium DECODE

DFG Research Unit miTarget

Director of Analytical Biogeochemistry

Contact Office

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