Several analytical techniques are commonly employed in bioanalytical sciences, each with its strengths and limitations:
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): Widely used for its high sensitivity and specificity, LC-MS is a powerful tool for the quantitative analysis of complex biological samples. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): HPLC is often used for separating, identifying, and quantifying components in a mixture. It is particularly useful for non-volatile and thermally unstable compounds. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): GC-MS is ideal for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Its high resolution and sensitivity make it a popular choice for environmental and forensic analyses. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): ELISA is a plate-based assay technique used for detecting and quantifying soluble substances such as peptides, proteins, and antibodies.
