The science behind the insights
With over 15+ years experience in proteomics research, our platform is purpose-built for aquaculture — designed to deliver molecular depth that traditional analytical tools can't match, with interpretation from scientists who understand your industry.
THE FUNDAMENTALS
Proteomics: the study of what’s actually happening
Proteins are the functional molecules of life. They carry out virtually every biological process - from immune defence to metabolism, from stress response to growth. While DNA tells you what an organism could do, and RNA tells you what it's preparing to do, proteins tell you what it is doing, right now.
Proteomics, the large-scale study of these proteins, is one of the most powerful biotechnological tools available for monitoring fish welfare in aquaculture. By quantifying thousands of proteins simultaneously in a biological sample, we can build a comprehensive picture of an organism's molecular state - revealing responses, mechanisms, and changes that no other analytical approach can see.
In aquaculture, this means we can see exactly how a fish responds to a new feed ingredient, a vaccine, an environmental stressor, or a disease - at a depth and specificity that goes far beyond what traditional tools like histology, blood chemistry, or growth metrics can provide.
OUR PLATFORM
How we analyse: diaPASEF mass spectrometry
MariHealth uses liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with a data-independent acquisition (DIA) workflow called diaPASEF — one of the most advanced proteomics methodologies available today.
What makes diaPASEF different from conventional approaches is its use of trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS), which adds a fourth dimension of separation to the analysis. This results in:
BROADER COVERAGE
We routinely quantify 3,000+ proteins per sample, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the biological state
HIGHER SENSITIVITY
We can detect low-abundance proteins that other methods miss, which is often where the most important biological signals are found
BETTER REPRODUCIBILITY
Data-independent acquisition means every sample is analysed the same way, making cross-study comparisons reliable
EFFICIENT USE OF SAMPLE MATERIAL
Our workflow is optimised for the sample types and quantities typical in aquaculture research
We are supported through a partnership with the Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research (CPGR) in Cape Town, home to one of Africa's leading proteomics facilities.
OUR PIPELINE
From sample to insight
Every MariHealth project follows a structured analytical pipeline designed for rigour, reproducibility, and relevance to aquaculture. By combining proteomics with bioinformatics analysis, we deliver insights that improve fish health and productivity — from pathway analysis and functional enrichment to machine learning applied to our growing aquaculture protein database.
THE DATABASE
Building the aquaculture proteome, one project at a time.
Every project we run contributes to a growing, proprietary protein database — species-specific and context-specific to aquaculture. Across multiple species and biological contexts, we are building one of the most comprehensive aquaculture proteomics datasets in existence.
The more data we generate, the more depth and nuance we can extract. Over time, machine learning applied to this growing dataset enhances the insights we deliver — enabling us to identify subtler patterns and provide richer biological context in every report.
Individual client data is always confidential. The database is built from aggregated, anonymised patterns — collective intelligence that no single project could generate alone.
OUR COMMITMENTS
Built on rigour, delivered with transparency
We believe that trust is earned through transparency. Every MariHealth project includes:
faq
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We use liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with a diaPASEF data-independent acquisition workflow, run on the Bruker timsTOF platform through our partnership with CPGR in Cape Town. This provides broad proteome coverage with high sensitivity and reproducibility.
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We routinely quantify 3,000+ proteins per sample, depending on the sample type and tissue. This provides a comprehensive molecular snapshot - far beyond what targeted assays or ELISA panels can achieve.
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Tissue (muscle, liver, gill, intestine, kidney), blood and plasma, and (recently) mucus aquafeed samples. We've worked with salmon, trout, shrimp, and abalone, and our approach is readily translatable to other aquaculture species.
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No. Our sample preparation method does not require cold chain shipping. We provide stabilisation protocols that allow samples to be shipped at ambient temperature, significantly simplifying international logistics.
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Our pipeline incorporates established tools for database searching, quality control, normalisation, and statistical analysis, alongside proprietary methods developed for aquaculture proteomics. We use pathway analysis and functional enrichment to contextualise results biologically. Specific software versions and parameters are documented in the deliverables.
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QC checks are embedded at every stage of our pipeline - from sample preparation through mass spectrometry acquisition to data processing. We monitor for sample degradation, instrument performance, and batch effects. Any QC issues are documented and communicated transparently.
PUBLICATIONS
Our research
LET’S TALK
Want to collaborate or discuss a project?
We strongly believe in the power of collaboration and welcome We'd love to hear about your research question. Book a discovery call or send us a message — we'll help you figure out whether proteomics is the right tool for what you need.