Capabilities

• Custom development of bespoke apps and pipelines
• Integrative multi-omics data analysis (eg mixOmics and MOFA2)
• Machine learning–based discovery and benchmarking
• Networks visualisation (eg STRINGdb, Cytoscape)
• Pathways enrichment
• Phosphoproteomics and PTMs analysis (eg prediction of upstream kinases)
• Quantitative proteomics and differential protein abundance analysis

• Glycomics
• Glycoproteomics
• High-throughput proteomics screening
• Metabolomics
• RNA and oligonucleotide mass spectrometry
• Targeted mass spectrometry

• Amino acid analysis (AAA)
• Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
• Gel Electrophoresis
• Multiplexed Immunoassay (MIA)
• Reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC analysis
• RP-HPLC method development
• Size exclusion chromatography (SEC)

• Co-fractionation mass spectrometry for organism-wide protein complex analysis
• Computational modelling of protein assemblies
• Cross-linking mass spectrometry
• Identification of interaction partners
• Mass photometric measurements of biomolecular interactions
• Top-down and native mass spectrometry of intact proteins and protein complexes

• Data independent acquisition
• Differential protein analysis
• Label free quantitation
• Post-translational modifications (PTM) analysis
• Quanitiation and identification of peptides and proteins
• Sequence coverage
• TMT analysis

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)
• size exclusion chromatography (SEC or GPC).

MUCAB provides a comprehensive CHN and CHNS elemental analysis service to the broader research community. The instrument can be run for CHNS (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur) simultaneously, or for the combinations CNS, CHN or CN.

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 characterise the sample.

Elemental microanalysis service

A CHN/CHNS submission form must accompany each sample submitted. The sample ID given on the submission form must be the same as the label on the sample vial.

CHN/CHNS elemental microanalysis submission forms:

• download form for Macquarie users
• download form for all other users.

Sample size

• The weight required is the amount that must be removable from the sample vial, not the amount put into the sample vial.
• Typically 2–5mg will be enough material for a duplicate run for CHN or CHNS. Therefore if CHN/CHNS are required, then 5–10mg will be required. Similarly if Ash is to be determined an additional 5–10mg will be required.
• In cases where you have very little sample available, it is possible to do one CHN run with as little as 1mg for organic samples.

We will happily return any unused sample to you. If you would like your samples returned:

• indicate this on the submission form
• include a stamped, self-addressed padded bag with your samples.

Other requirements

• List at least a range or approximate value of the expected mass percentage composition for each element in the compound.
• Ensure samples are dry and free of foreign substances. Inform us if they contain metals, halides or other interferences. Specify the physical state of the compound at submission.
• Use a sample vial that is in proportion to the size of sample. Do not completely cover the sample with the label.

Cost

After you receive your results, you will be invoiced for the analyses. The invoice contains details of appropriate payment methods.

The invoice will be sent to the name and address on the sample submission form. If the invoice should be sent to an alternate person/address, indicate this on the sample submission form.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to:

• determine the masses of particles
• elucidate the elemental composition and 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)
• tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS).

Spectroscopic analysis provides detailed information about the physical and chemical properties of a sample eg its structure, composition and concentration.

Spectroscopy can be used to distinguish between different compounds in a mixture, making it useful in a wide range of applications.

MUCAB offers a range of spectroscopic techniques including:

• infrared spectroscopy (IR)
• ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis)
• fluorescence spectroscopy
• dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy

The variety of instruments at our NMR facility, including Australia’s first parahydrogen generator, support the solution-state NMR requirements of our researchers.

A full sample service is available to external clients on a fee paying basis. Contact us for more information.

Book our NMR facility online.

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)
• evolved gas analysis (EGA).

Thermal analysis service

A sample submission form must accompany each sample submitted. The sample ID given on the submission form must be the same as the label on the sample vial.

Download a thermal analysis submission form.

Sample size

• The weight required is the amount that must be removable from the sample vial, not the amount put into the sample vial.
• Typically 10mg will be enough material for both DSC and TGA. However, if possible, more sample (25–50mg) should be provided.
• In cases where you have very little sample available, it is possible to do some types of analyses with as little as 1mg of sample.

We will happily return any unused sample to you.

Cost

Our specialist equipment allows us to perform spectrometry, solution composition and elemental analysis on bulk samples of minerals, rocks and fluids.

X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Available analysis includes:

• major and trace elements from bulk samples.

Element concentration analysis in solution

Available analysis includes:

• trace elements to the picogram/gram levels for most elements.

Solution Isotopic Composition Analysis

Available analyses include:

• Sr, Nd, Hf ratios
• U-Th-Pb.

Elemental Analysers

Available analysis includes:

• C, H, N, S concentration in bulk samples.

We have a wide range of in-situ microanalysis facilities, including laser ablation systems, specialised scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), electron microprobes, microscopes and spectrometers.

Laser Ablation ICP-MS

Available analyses include:

• Hf isotopes
• zircons U-Pb dating
• trace element mapping and imaging
• split stream simultaneous analysis of Os isotopic ratios and PGE concentrations
• Rb-Sr dating of minerals with high Rb/Sr ratios.

We have a number of Laser Ablation Systems that can be attached to our various ICP-MSs, including:

• Photon Machines Excite Excimer Laser Ablation System
• Photon Analyte G2 Excimer Laser Ablation System
• Teledyne LSX 213.

Specialised SEM and Electron Microprobe

Available analyses include:

• high-resolution quantitative and qualitative imaging in either high or low vacuum
• EDX elemental mapping by SEM
• electron backscatter diffraction analysis
• quantitative mineral mapping and deconvolution.

Optical Spectroscopy

Available analyses include:

• Raman spectrometry (non-destructive vibrational spectroscopy for phase determination)
• infrared spectrometry and automated mapping.

Our specialist sample preparation laboratory and disaggregation machine facilities are available to School of Natural Science students, staff and researchers.

Available analyses include:

• sample disaggregation
• sample sawing, crushing and milling
• heavy liquid separation
• petrographic analysis
• sample mounting in epoxy
• thin sectioning.

Specialist mass spectrometry equipment is available to our students, staff and researchers interested in the analysis of elemental composition and isotopic ratios in carbonate samples.

Available analyses include:

• δ13C and δ18O
• Δ47 of CO2 from carbonates (clumped isotope palaeothermometry).

The Thermo Hub is our newest scientific facility and was jointly sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific to establish a world-first technology and analytical strategic partnership. This is to drive scientific research and develop new methodologies, in particular, development and application of 10¹³Ω amplifiers.

Initial projects have included:

• Pt and Sn isotope constraints on core formation and volatile loss on meteorites
• Os isotope constraints on crustal recycling
• Ba isotope constraints on subduction zone processes and the composition of Earth’s mantle domains
• use of transition metal isotopes in the study of to Alzheimer’s and motor-neuron disease.

It also acts as a display facility in the Pacific for Thermo’s newest instruments and isotope research development.

Available analysis includes: Cu, Zn, Mo, Os, Pt, Sn, Ba, V and U-series isotopes.