Personalized cancer therapies rely on highly sensitive analyses of HLA-bound peptides using mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Since samples and peptides are present only in minute quantities, processing must be as loss-free and miniaturized as possible. In microfluidic systems, however, there is an increased risk that peptides will adhere to the material surfaces and be lost during analysis. Therefore, specially developed materials are needed to minimize such adsorption losses and enable the miniaturization of sample preparation.

LASH employs a novel, materials-science-based anti-adsorption approach that differs significantly from conventional polymer coatings. The goal is to develop surface coatings that can be produced reproducibly, are compatible with microfluidics, and are directly optimized for sample preparation for peptide analysis by mass spectrometry.

If successful, LASH will enable more sensitive diagnostics using minimal sample material and enhance the robustness of personalized medical procedures. At the same time, the project will strengthen Germany’s position in the field of high-performance functional materials and microanalytical technologies and open up new opportunities for technology transfer and market expansion in precision medicine.