UAMS, Bioanalytical Core

About the Core

The Bioanalytical Core serves as an analytical resource for the research community by providing services for the detection and quantification of small molecular metabolites, chemical compounds, and trace elements in biological samples.

The core is located in Biomedical Research Building II, room 131-2 for the small molecular metabolites and chemical compounds managed by Dr. Eryn Matich ([email protected]). The ICP-MS is located in the Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute (WPRCI) 11-172 and managed by Dr. Shelbie Stahr ([email protected]). Please reach out to them for any questions or inquiries or schedule a brief consultation to discuss your project or research needs.

Overview of Services

The core is equipped with mass spectrometers with routine maintenance, calibration, tuning, and cleaning to ensure optimal instrument performance and high quality data. Our services provided include:

• Consultation and communication with users: We will work with each investigator to discuss the goal of the project, suggest experimental design according to the research plans, provide updates on the progress of each projects, and share study data/results in a timely manner.
• Method development and protocol testing: Methods and protocols not previously established in the core will need to be tested and developed before running precious research samples, even for methods in any published protocols. To do this, we will work with the user to determine the chemicals and sample types of interest, review the literature and test the published protocols.
• Sample preparation for data acquisition: To detect (and quantify) chemicals without noise signals, most samples need some form of preparation or extraction depending on the bio-specimen used. Methods needed including basic sample clean-up, liquid-liquid extraction, sonication, bead milling/homogenization, or solid phase extraction (SPE).
• Running analytical instrumentation: Extracted/prepared samples can be injected to the designated instrumentation base on research needs for data acquisition. Multiple quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures are implemented to monitor the instrument’s performance during the run.
• Initial and final data processing: Following data acquisition on the instrumentation, initial and final data will be processed using the associated software packages on the data acquisition computer. Following this, we will securely transfer data to our dedicated data storage and analysis computer.
• Grant and manuscript writing: When needed, the core will assist in writing sections related to the core services in grant proposals and research papers.

Instrumentation

Instrumentation associated with the Bioanalytical Core includes the following:

UPLC – Ultivo TQ

• Agilent Infinity II 1260 ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with column Manager, autosampler, Binary Pump, high dynamic range Diode Array Detector (DAD)
• Agilent Ultivo TQ (triple quadrupole)

The UPLC – Ultivo TQ is the primary instrumentation in the core for method testing and development for targeted data acquisition.

HPLC – PDa/QDa

• Waters Acquity high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with column heater, sample manager, and binary solvent manager
• Waters Photo Diode Array (PDa)/ Quadrupole Dalton (QDa)

The HPLC-PDa/QDa is the primary instrumentation in the core for targeted data acquisition.

HPLC – Q-ToF

• Waters Acquity high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with column heater, sample manager, and binary solvent manager
• Waters Micromass Premier quadrupole – time of flight (Q-ToF)

The HPLC – Q-ToF is the primary instrumentation in the core for high-resolution drug discovery data acquisition. For the most complete analysis we can perform these analyses in both reverse phase (RP) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC).

ICP-MS

• Thermo Fisher Scientific iCAP RQ inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS)
• Coupled with an ESI AutoSampler 4DX, that allows for accurate and precise sampling with automated and customizable rinse configuration.
• Optional microwave digestion with CEM MARS6 Microwave Digestion System is available for sample preparation.

The ICP-MS is the primary instrumentation in the core for trace elements and, more specifically, heavy metal quantification.

GC-MS

• Agilent 7890A gas chromatography (GC)
• Agilent 5975C inert XL single quadrupole/mass selective detector (MSD, triple-axis detector) with Agilent 7693 autosampler

The GC-MS will be the primary instrumentation in the core for targeted volatile and therapeutic molecule data acquisition.

Other Research Equipment

The core has various other pieces of research equipment used for sample storage, preparation, and data analysis. Temporary sample storage can be in the fridge/freezer at 4°C, -20°C, or -80°C. For various types of sample preparation, we have a scale, vortex, water bath sonicator, bullet blender, TissueLyzer, solid phase extraction manifolds, centrifuge, and SpeedVac concentrator.

Data/Results Storage and Analysis

A dedicated data storage and analysis computer with 64 GB RAM and 1 TB of hard drive space is in place in the Biomed Rm 131-2. Software packages for data analysis and manuscript/presentation editing are available including Partek Genomics Suite, SAS, SPSS, JMP Pro 16, GIMP, EndNote, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Microsoft Office Professional. Data will be stored in UAMS Box, and users will be given access.