Biochemistry Core

Mission

The Biochemistry Core provides biochemical analysis methods developed and implemented with a broad spectrum of LC/MS and HPLC based on the chemistry of protein/peptide/oligonucleotides/metabolites to separate and quantify analytes from complex biological samples. The Core is working at two locations, Mass spectrometry (Bldg. 50, Rm 3121); HPLC-based chromatography (Bldg. 10, Rm 8N117), and currently features 1) ESI-LC/MS systems and HPLC systems with UV/fluorescence detectors and 3) Atomic absorption spectrometer.

Services

• Accurate mass determination of intact protein and organic compounds
  Using the LC/MS, we can get the accurate intact protein mass with an error < 1 Da per 50,000 Da. This service is important to users who are studying a purified protein. They can confirm the correct mass of a target molecule before moving to the next step.
• Quantitation of specific metabolites
  Using the HPLC or LC/MS, we can quantify physiological free amino acids, nucleotides, and other specific metabolites.
• Elemental analysis in the biological sample
  Using atomic absorption spectrometry, we can measure the metal content in solutions or protein samples. Currently, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Al, and Se are available.
• Consultation and development of customized chromatographic methods
• On-site training for the system operation and data analysis

Instruments

• ESI-LC/MS (Agilent 6530 QTOF and 6224 TOF)
• Agilent 1100 HPLC w/ DAD and FLD (fluorescence detector)
• Agilent 3100 OFFGel Fractionator Bio-Rad open column (low pressure) system
• Perkin Elmer atomic absorption spectrometer (PinAAcle 900Z)