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Chemical and biochemical profiling

Team role

We work to develop methodology for non-targeted chemical and biochemical profiling, principally in relation to complex mixtures. Our aim is to rapidly determine the composition of these materials using advanced techniques such as NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

We frequently use our technology base and skills to determine biomarkers that can be developed into simplified tests often for field or factory application.

The group is staffed by post-doctoral experts with qualifications in chemistry, biochemistry and environmental sciences. A programme of software development supports the work of the team.

The areas of research in which our skills are applied are diverse, commonly aiming to rapidly confirm the presence, identity and role of chemicals and biochemicals in challenging matices. These include plants, foods, beverages, soils, biological fluids, whole cells or organisms, chemical mixtures (e.g. plastics, pesticide formulations) solvents and fuels. These data form the basis for liaison with our clients and collaborators where we interpret results in consultation with appropriate Fera specialists, representing a vast knowledge base in relation to food and environmental issues.

The group collaborate extensively with both industry and academia whilst providing training, lecturing and consultancy services for both the public and private sectors.

Team leader

Adrian Charlton BSc, PhD, MRSC

Is a biochemist and currently leads the Biochemical and Chemical Profiling team. The team undertake research in a range of sectors using advanced analytical approaches such as NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. These are applied to provide novel solutions to issues such as food contamination and authentication. Current research activities are largely in the metabolomics and proteomics areas. Other interests include the development of non-targeted analysis approaches by integrating analytical chemistry with bioinformatics and chemometrics. Adrian has published approximately 35 peer reviewed papers and has a wide network of academic and industrial collaborators. To contact Dr Charlton, please email

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Rosario Romero

Dr. Rosario Romero has 20 years of experience in biomedical research, mainly in the fields of cell biology, protein biochemistry and functional proteomics. Having joined Fera recently, her main interest is the development of proteomics methods in relation to different aspects of food and environmental research. She is currently involved in developing an antibody/MS-based method for the rapid detection of Salmonella in food. Dr. Romero is also a participant in the COST action FA1002 : "Proteomics in Farm Animals". To contact Dr Romero, please email

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Research areas

  • The determination of biomarkers of agricultural and wildlife diseases such as BSE and scrapie.
  • The effect of environmental stress (including climate change) on the metabolome of crop plants.
  • Structure function relationships of bioactive compounds in natural products.
  • Determination of the biological effects of emerging environmental contaminants such as engineered nanoparticles.
  • Rapid and non-targeted determination of organic chemical contaminants in potable water, food and beverages.
  • Biochemical profiling in support of food authentication.
  • Quantitative NMR spectroscopy.

Selected Publications

Buchanan, R, Baker, R, Charlton, A.J., Riviere, J., Standaert, R. (2011) Pet Food Safety - A Shared Concern. Brit. J. Nutr. In press

Roberts, D. P.T., Scotter, M.J., Godula, M., Dickinson, M. & Charlton, A.J. (2011) Development and validation of a rapid method for the determination of natamycin in wine by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. Anal. Methods. DOI:10.1039/C0AY00330A.

Donarski, J.A. Roberts, D.P.T. Charlton, A.J. (2010) Quantitative NMR spectroscopy for the rapid measurement of methylglyoxal in manuka honey. Anal. Methods. 2(10), 1479-1483.

Alvarez, M.D., Donarski, J.A., Elliott, M. & Charlton, A.J. (2010) Evaluation of extraction methods for use with NMR-based metabolomics in the marine polychaete ragworm, Hediste diversicolor. Metabolomics 6(4) 541-549.

McKenzie, J.S., Charlton, A.J., Donarski, J.A. & Wilson, J.C. (2010) Peak Matching in 2D 1H-13C HSQC NMR Spectra for Metabolomic Studies Metabolomics, 6(4), 574-582.

Charlton, A.J., Wrobel, M.S., Stanimirova. I., Daszykowski, M., Grundy, H.H. & Walczak, B. (2010) Multivariate discrimination of wines with respect to their grape varieties and vintages. Eur. Food. Res. Technol. 231(5), 733-743.

Donarski, J. A., Jones, S. A., Harrison, M., Driffield, M. & Charlton, A. J. (2010) Identification of botanical biomarkers found in Corsican honey. Food Chemistry 118 (4), 987-994.

Baker, J., Riley, G., Romero, M.R., Haynes, A.R., Hilton, H., Simon, M., Hancock, J., Tateossian, H., Ripol,l V.M., Blanco, G.. (2010). Identification of a Z-band associated. Exp. Cell Res. 316(11):1856-70.

Mburu, P., Romero, M.R., Hilton, H., Parker, A., Townsend, S., Kikkawa, Y., Brown, S.D.M. (2010). Gelsolin plays a role in the actin polymerization complex of hair cell stereocilia. PLos One, 5(7): e11627.