Mark BernardsWestern Science

Small Molecule Analysis

GC Sample Tray

Our lab is equipped with a range of instruments suitable for the analysis of small moelcules. We are open to collaboration with other groups wanting to analyze metabolites. If you are interested in exploring small molecule analysis with our lab group, contact Dr. Mark Bernards directly.

Our instruments include:

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Agilent 1260 HPLC with 6230 Time-of-Flight (TOF) Mass Spectrometer

The Agilent 6230 TOF is an accurate mass time-of flight mass spectrometer suitable for the measurement of molecules in the 100-3200 m/z range. It was acquired using funds from the NSERC RTI program. The 1260 LC can be operated as a stand alone instrument or used with the TOF-MS. We currently use the 6230 for routine analaysis of plant hormones and ginsenosides. The instrument is equipped with separate ESI and an APCI sources. A small fee per sample is charged for analysis with the LC-TOF-MS.

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Varian 3800 Gas Chromatograph with FID

The Varian GC is a robust workhorse gas chromatography system. We use it for routine analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and other suberin-derived fatty acyl  compounds. The instrument can be set up for the analysis of range of volatile compounds and is equipped with a FID.

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Agilent 7890 Gas Chromatograph with LECO Pegasus BT Mass Spectrometer

The Agilent 7890 GC-TOF-MS is fitted with a Combi-PAL robotic autosampler and can be configured for a wide range of small molecule analyses. The system is equipped for standard liquid sampling and headspace sampling. The system is used for routine analysis of insect pheromones (acetylated 1-alkenols), monosaccharides (as acetylated sugar alcohols), small polar metabolites, FAMES, and other compounds.