Core Expertise

High-Throughput Bioanalysis

Rapid methods for quantitative analysis by mass spectrometry rely primarily on robust chromatographic procedures followed by mass-selective detection.  We apply liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS), wherein the analyte of interest and its internal or external standard, are monitored and measured using diagnostic ion(s) for each compound.  This approach is often implemented using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), which is ideal for absolute quantification. Our capabilities include robust method validation in accordance with regulatory guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), ensuring the accuracy of quantitative data. In addition to absolute quantification, we have substantial expertise in semi-quantitative method development as well as profiling and untargeted or semi-targeted analyses. 

The Beginning

In 2010, the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition acquired its first QTRAP® instrument, thanks to a Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grant led by Dr. Anas El-Aneed (Pharmacy and Nutrition). From the outset, this cutting-edge system has been available to all faculty members and their trainees within the college. Recognizing the importance of this resource, the college committed funds to hire dedicated staff for user training and instrument maintenance.

Success & Growth

Our expertise in advanced analytical techniques quickly attracted interest across the university, fueled by the high-quality work produced and the hands-on training provided by our skilled staff. In 2015, our capabilities were further expanded with the addition of a second instrument, funded through a Western Economic Diversification (WD) Canada program secured by Drs. Darryl Adamko (College of Medicine) and Anas El-Aneed (Pharmacy and Nutrition). To support this growth, we hired a research manager dedicated to training highly qualified personnel (HQP) in advanced bioanalysis.

A new mass spectrometry instrument coupled with HPLC, acquired by Dr. Steven D Siciliano (College of Agriculture) through a CFI grant, was added to our facility in 2025. Our instruments can be interfaced with Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), available when needed.

Since its inception, our facility has been utilized by approximately 55 principal investigators (PIs) and more than 140 trainees, spanning diverse fields such as Pharmacy and Nutrition, Agriculture, Medicine, Toxicology, Veterinary Medicine, Biology, and the Cancer Centre.

Our analytical capacity continues to grow with researchers using our Hub securing over $8 million in research funding in the past five years for projects in which bioanalysis in our facility was a critical component of the grant.