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Overview

The Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry (ACBC) Core Laboratory is a state-of-the-art analytical facility dedicated to supporting sample preparation, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and molecular characterization of both small and large molecules. The lab underpins research and development across a wide range of sectors, including food safety, pharmaceuticals, forensics, environmental sciences, biopharmaceuticals, metabolomics, and elemental analysis.

The ACBC Core Laboratory is strategically structured into three specialized compartments to enhance workflow efficiency and multidisciplinary collaboration:



Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry Core Laboratory
Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry Suite

Equipped with advanced platforms such as Liquid Chromatography (LC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Ultra Performance Convergence Chromatography (UPC²), and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS). This suite enables high-precision separation, identification, and quantification of complex chemical mixtures.

Elemental Analysis Suite

Features Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for multi-element detection, trace metal quantification, and analysis of environmental and industrial samples.

Sample Preparation & Biochemical Analysis Area

Designed for sample processing, live-cell chemical biology studies. This area supports upstream and downstream workflows by ensuring sample integrity and compatibility with various analytical techniques.

Scope

The ACBC Core Laboratory offers cutting-edge analytical solutions with HPLC, UHPLC, UPLC, LC–MS/MS, LC-HRMS, GC–MS, GC-FID, and UPC² for diverse chemical analyses. We provide structural elucidation, trace-level quantitation, and small-molecule identification, alongside elemental analysis via ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and IC, making the ACBC Core Laboratory a versatile hub for research, quality control, and high-resolution analytics.

Key Capabilities
KEY EQUIPMENT
  • Comprehensive chromatographic platform: The ACBC Core Laboratory is equipped with multiple HPLC, UPLC, and UHPLC systems (Waters and Agilent) enabling precise separation and quantification of a wide range of organic compounds.
  • Extensive detector coverage: Systems fitted with PDA, RI, ELSD, and QDa detectors allow detection of UV-active, non-volatile, and non-chromophoric analytes across diverse matrices.
  • High-resolution mass spectrometry: The Thermo Q Exactive Orbitrap and Waters Vion IMS QTOF provide high-accuracy mass measurements and advanced structural elucidation for unknown or complex molecules.
  • Targeted quantitative analysis: The SCIEX 5500 QTRAP LC–MS/MS delivers ultra-sensitive and selective quantification, ideal for trace analysis and bioanalytical applications.
  • Chiral and green chromatography capability: The Waters UPC² Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) system supports chiral separations with reduced solvent consumption and fast analysis times.
  • Comprehensive gas chromatography solutions: The Agilent GC–MS (with NIST library) enables compound identification, while the GC–FID provides robust quantitative analysis for volatiles and semi-volatiles.
  • Elemental composition analysis: The Thermo iCAP 7600 ICP-OES offers multi-elemental quantification in complex samples with high throughput and sensitivity.
  • Ultra-trace elemental detection: The PerkinElmer NexION 350 ICP-MS enables detection of elements at ppb to ppt levels, supporting environmental, pharmaceutical, and material testing.
  • Inorganic ion analysis: The Thermo ICS 5000 Ion Chromatograph provides precise determination of anions, cations, and ionic species in environmental and process samples.
  • Integrated data systems and method development: Advanced software tools such as Compound Discoverer, NIST, and small molecule libraries enhance data interpretation, while the wide range of chromatographic and spectroscopic instruments support method development, validation, and routine QC testing across industries.
Technique Instrument / Manufacturer
Gas Chromatography (GC) 7890B GC-FID / Agilent Technologies
7890B GC & 5977A MSD / Agilent Technologies
High/Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) 1260 Infinity HPLC / Agilent Technologies
Alliance e2695 HPLC / Waters
1290 Infinity UHPLC / Agilent Technologies
Acquity H Class Plus UPLC / Waters
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) Acquity UPC² / Waters
Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) 5500 QTrap LC–MS/MS / Sciex
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS / Thermo Fisher Scientific
Vion IMS QTof HRMS / Waters
Ion Chromatography (IC) ICS-5000 Dionex / Thermo Fisher Scientific
Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP–OES) ICP–OES 6500 / Thermo Fisher Scientific
ICP–OES 7600 / Thermo Fisher Scientific
Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS) ICP–MS / PerkinElmer
Lab Custodian

Eiman Al Tenaiji

Contact Number

+971 (0)2 312 4209

Email

eiman.altenaiji@ku.ac.ae

Staff

Nurlan Akhmetov, Mohan Rommala

Location

Labs 8017/8019/8021, Arzanah Building, Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus, Khalifa University.

Hours of Operation

• Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
• Friday: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Lab Access

To ensure a safe working environment, all users of Research Core Laboratories must complete the university’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) training modules relevant to each laboratory they intend to access. The specific training modules along with the user approval process for the ACBC Core Laboratory are detailed at [webpage link].