Several key instruments are frequently used in bioanalytical laboratories:
1. Mass Spectrometry (MS): This technique measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, providing detailed information about the molecular weight and structure of compounds. It is widely used for proteomics, metabolomics, and drug metabolism studies.
2. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): HPLC is used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture. It is essential for purity analysis, and quantification of biomolecules like proteins and nucleotides.
3. Gas Chromatography (GC): GC is employed mainly for volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. It is used in environmental monitoring, toxicology, and forensic analysis.
4. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR): NMR spectroscopy provides structural information about organic compounds. It is particularly useful for elucidating the structures of complex biomolecules.
5. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): This plate-based assay technique detects and quantifies soluble substances such as peptides, proteins, antibodies, and hormones.
