Our PhD Students Attended an Advanced Lipid Analysis Workshop
On March 11 to 29, 2024 our PhD students went on a journey in the Advanced Lipid Analysis. This was a part of the "Advanced Principals in Lipidomics" Training Cycle. The event was hybrid and combined online sessions with hands-on experiments at the University of Helsinki. It provided transformative learning experience for the researchers in our team in the field of lipidomics.
Our OH Boost participatns were including:
Signe Parts
Gayandi Chulendra Manike Ekanayake Ekanayake Mudiyanselage
Subhashini Muhamdiram Muhamdiram Ralalage
The workshop kicked off with a deep dive into the theoretical underpinnings of lipid research. Our students learned about the intricate structure of lipids, delving into the variety of lipid molecules that can be observed and identified. They gained a comprehensive understanding of lipid and fatty acid diversity and metabolism, as well as the complex functions and species of lipids. This solid theoretical foundation set the stage for the practical skills they would later acquire.
In the practical sessions, Signe, Gayandi, and Subhashini rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on experience with lipid extraction methods from various materials. They mastered techniques such as the Folch extraction method on fish tissue samples. The training didn't stop there—they also gained proficiency in liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for lipid analysis, conducting LC-MS on crude lipid extracts from fish tissue samples.
Data analysis was another crucial component of the workshop. Our students learned to navigate and utilize advanced software and online platforms like Mass Hunter, LIMSA, and MetaboAnalyst for mass spectrometry data analysis. These practical sessions were invaluable, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge and enhance their technical skills.
The workshop was not just about learning new techniques; it was also about experiencing the collaborative and meticulous nature of scientific research. It was a journey that underscored the importance of both individual dedication and teamwork.
We would like to thank everyone who was involved in this course such as HiLIPID, Helsinki University Lipidomics Unit and Biocenter Finland as well as our amazing PhD students, your efforts were truly appreciated.