About Our Laboratory
Bioanalytical Expertise and Training Hub
About the Facility
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 high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) wherein the analyte of interest, and its internal or external standard, are monitored and measured using diagnostic ion(s) for each compound. The technology is often referred to as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and it is ideal for absolute quantification. Our expertise includes robust method validation as per regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA), ensuring the accuracy of the quantitative data.In addition to absolute quantification, we have rich expertise in semi-quantitative method development as well as profiling and semi-untargeted analysis.
History
The Beginning
In 2010, the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition acquired its first QTRAP® instrument, an integral component of our high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) system, thanks to a CFI grant led by Dr. Anas El-Aneed. 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
Our expertise in advanced analytical techniques quickly attracted interest from beyond the college, 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 Dr. Darryl Adamko and Dr. Anas El-Aneed. To support this growth, we hired a research manager dedicated to training highly qualified personnel (HQP) in advanced bioanalysis.
A new mass spectrometry instrument equipped with HPLC and ion chromatography (IC), acquired by Dr. Steven D Siciliano, will be added to our facility that will be installed and become operational in the fall of 2024. The instrument can be interfaced with High Field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility Spectrometry (FAIMS), available when needed.
Growth
Since its inception, our facility has been utilized by over 45 principal investigators (PIs) and more than 110 trainees, spanning diverse fields such as Pharmacy and Nutrition, Agriculture, Medicine, Toxicology, Veterinary Medicine, Biology, and the Cancer Center.
Our analytical capacity continues to grow with our various PI users securing over $8 million in grant money in the past five years, for projects in which bioanalysis in our facility was critical component of the grant.