Macquarie University Centre for Analytical Biotechnology (MUCAB)

Elemental analysis

MUCAB provides a comprehensive CHN and CHNS elemental analysis service to the broader research community within Australia and beyond. This analysis method is a quick and cost-effective way to determine the purity of a sample and can be used in conjunction with NMR, infrared, and mass spectroscopy to fully characterize the sample.

The CHN and CHNS analysis service offered by MUCAB is an essential resource for researchers in a variety of fields, providing accurate and reliable elemental analysis data that is critical for many applications. With its advanced equipment and experienced staff, MUCAB is committed to providing high-quality analytical services to meet the needs of researchers both within and outside the university.

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Thermal analysis

Thermal analysis is a powerful analytical technique that measures physical or chemical changes in a material as a function of temperature. At MUCAB, we offer a range of thermal analysis techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and evolved gas analysis (EGA).

DSC is particularly useful for studying endothermic and exothermic processes, as well as changes in heat capacity. It can be applied to a wide range of materials, including proteins, foods, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and more. With DSC, MUCAB can provide valuable insights into the physical and chemical properties of a material, helping researchers to better understand its behaviour and performance.

TGA, on the other hand, is primarily used to determine the composition of substances and ash content. By measuring changes in mass as a function of temperature, MUCAB can provide accurate and reliable data on the composition and purity of a sample.

Finally, EGA is a powerful technique used to study the gas released from a sample undergoing decomposition and desorption upon heating. By analysing the evolved gases, MUCAB can provide insights into the chemical composition and behaviour of a sample, helping researchers to better understand its properties and performance.

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Chromatography

Chromatography is a powerful family of analytical techniques used to separate complex mixtures into their individual components. At MUCAB, we offer a range of chromatography services, including liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC or GPC).

In chromatography, the mixture to be analyzed is dissolved in a "mobile phase" and passed through a "stationary phase," where the individual components of the mixture are separated based on their unique physical and chemical properties. Once separated, the individual components of interest can be further identified and quantitated.

Liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a highly sensitive and versatile technique used for the separation and analysis of a wide range of compounds in various sample matrices. Gas chromatography (GC) is a powerful technique for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, including environmental contaminants, food additives, and more. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC or GPC) is used to separate and quantify macromolecules based on their size and shape.

Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to determine the masses of particles and the elemental composition of a sample or molecule, and to elucidate the chemical structures of molecules. When combined with chromatographic techniques, MS becomes a powerful tool for the separation, quantitation, and identification of individual components within a mixture.

At MUCAB, we offer a range of MS services, including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). These instruments are equipped with cutting-edge technology and operated by highly trained staff to provide accurate and reliable results.

LC-MS is an effective technique for the analysis of a wide range of compounds, including small molecules, peptides, and proteins. GC-MS is a powerful tool for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, such as environmental contaminants, food additives, and more. GC-MS/MS provides enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for the identification and quantification of compounds in complex mixtures.

Spectroscopic Analysis

Spectroscopic Analysis is a powerful analytical technique that provides valuable qualitative and quantitative information about chemical compounds. Spectroscopy can be used to distinguish between different compounds in a mixture, making it useful in a wide range of applications, from identifying the composition of paint chips to measuring trace metals in water samples.

MUCAB offers a range of spectroscopic techniques including infrared spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). These techniques provide detailed information about the physical and chemical properties of a sample, such as its structure, composition, and concentration. They are used extensively in many fields, including chemistry, biology, materials science, and environmental science.