Biochemical Analysis Laboratory

In this laboratory, biomarker work is performed that provides insight into health status and risk of disease. Biochemical investigation of possible novel strategies for treatment and prevention of disease is also performed. This work involves a range of sophisticated equipment encompassing spectrophotometric, electrochemical and chromatographic techniques. These techniques are applied to the testing of biological samples (for example blood plasma and urine) and extracts of herbs, foods and drugs.

Major instruments:
  • Waters Millennium HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) systems with Photodiode array, Fluorescence and Electrochemical Detectors.
  • Cobas Fara Centrifugal Analyzer and Hitachi 902 Biochemical Analyzer
  • Scanning Photodiodearray Spectrophotometer and Scanning Spectrofluorimeter
  • Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
  • Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer  & Capillary Electrophoresis Equipment

  • Waters Millennium HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) systems with Photodiodearray, Fluorescence and Electrochemical Detectors

    HPLC is a chromatographic technique that enables the sensitive and specific separation, identification and measurement of components, such as lipid peroxidation degradation products, hormones, drugs and vitamins.
    HPLC photo

    Cobas Fara Centrifugal Analyzer and Hitachi 902 Biochemical Analyzer

    These analyzers are used to measure, for example, the total antioxidant content of biological fluids (using our patented test, the FRAP assay), red blood cell antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx), plasma glucose levels, and biomarkers of liver function, renal function, immune function, nutritional status and risk of cardiovascular disease.
    Cobas Fara Centrifugal Analyzer photo
    Hitachi 902 Biochemical Analyzer photo

    Scanning Photodiodearray Spectrophotometer and Scanning Spectrofluorimeter

    For identification and measurement of compounds based on their spectral and fluorescent characteristics.
    Scanning Photodiodearray Spectrophotometer and Scanning Spectrofluorimeter photo

    ISE Analyzer

    Ion selective electrodes (ISEs) are used to specifically and directly measure the activity or concentration of electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium etc.)  in biological samples.
    ISE Analyzer photo

    Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

    This machine is capable of highly sensitive and specific measurement of trace metals, and minerals, including iron, magnesium, lithium and lead.
    Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer photo

    Automated ELISA Microplate Reader

    This automated plate reader is used for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in which specific antibodies labelled with a chromogen or dye are used to detect specific analytes.

    This technique is used for the specific and sensitive measurement hormones and drugs.

    This instrument is also used for other microplate colourimetric tests, such as applied to cell viability testing, and measurement of hydrogen peroxide in urine.
    Automated ELISA Microplate Reader photo