A landmark study in the automation of glycomics processes and glycan biomarker discovery supervised by Professors M. Wuhrer (LUMC) and G.W. Somsen (VU) as well as Dr D. Fernandes (Ludger Ltd), her work bridges the fields of glycomics and translational medicine, pioneering methods that could transform clinical diagnostics and drug development.
Bridging Glycomics and Biopharmaceuticals
Dr Shubhakar’s research addresses two critical goals: enhancing glycan analysis for biopharmaceuticals and discovering glycan biomarkers, specifically for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By developing automated, high-throughput (HT) workflows, she streamlined traditional glycan preparation processes, reducing the extensive hands-on time previously required. These methods were validated using cutting edge analytical platforms such as MALDI-TOF-MS and LC-MS, showing accuracy and reproducibility comparable to traditional glycomic approaches.
Innovations in Glycomics Technology
Chapter 3 of her thesis introduced a novel automated permethylation process for glycan preparation, capable of handling large sample volumes efficiently. By analysing complex mouse tissue samples, Shubhakar et al. demonstrated that the automated workflow not only maintained accuracy but also offered faster, scalable analysis, making it invaluable for biopharmaceutical applications. This technology could improve production processes in drug development by providing high-quality glycosylation data.
A Future in Personalised Medicine
Chapter 5 of Dr Shubhakar’s research applied glycan biomarker findings to IBD, presenting a predictive model for treatment escalation based on glycan profiling. The findings suggest a promising future for personalised medicine, where glycan biomarkers could help tailor treatments to individual patient needs, reducing both the physical and financial burdens of chronic illnesses like IBD.
Future perspectives
Reflecting on her achievements, Dr Shubhakar expressed excitement for the potential of her work in biopharmaceutical innovation and personalised medicine. Her contributions establish a valuable foundation for future glycomics research, setting the stage for more precise and accessible glycan-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
Her defence marks a milestone for both the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Ludger Ltd, where industrial-academic collaboration exemplifies the transformative impact of interdisciplinary partnerships in advancing health science and clinical diagnostics.
Her thesis is now available to the public, contributing to the ongoing exploration of glycans in health and disease. Download the PDF of the thesis from the VU repository.