Osmia bicornis Bee Health Assessment via MALDI BeeTyping

Osmia bicornis bee health assessed via MALDI BeeTyping using haemolymph mass spectrometry. This validated method, developed within the PoshBee project (Grant No. 773921), applies clinical microbiology techniques to detect immune responses to pesticides and pathogens. The workflow includes sample collection with barcoding, ten-fold dilution, and analysis on an AutoFlex III Smartbeam® MALDI-TOF-MS (600–18,000 m/z), calibrated with Apiscal and Protmix I. Spectral data are processed using ClinProTools 2.2, enabling PCA and machine learning classification. The method ensures traceability and stability through -20°C storage and dry ice transport. Validated for Osmia bicornis, it extends to wild species like Colletes hederae and Halictus scabiosae, supporting risk assessment in lab, semi-field, and field studies.