Conducting practical experiments is among the most important functions of a research scientist. To maximize and accelerate results, scientists must be educated in both instrumentation and wet-lab techniques.
Lab supply marketplace ZAGENO invited three experts from over 5,000 supplier partners1 to share three wet-lab techniques every researcher should know. If you don’t have time to listen to the full-length 30-minute webinar featuring Nicholas Abuid (ACROBiosystems), Melissa Mulla (CELLTREAT) and Hazel Dickson (Waters), we’re sharing the highlights in this three-part article series in which we cover ELISA, cell culture, and chromatography techniques.
Technique #3: Chromatograpy is one of the most powerful tools in analytical chemistry and has the ability to separate, identify, and quantitate the compounds that are present in any sample that can be dissolved in a liquid. Chromatography is used to test vaccines, check that food and medicine is contaminant-free, and much more.
Today, compounds in trace concentrations as low as parts per trillion (ppt) or parts per quadrillion (ppq) may easily be identified. Chromatography is an extremely sensitive technique, especially when coupled with detectors like high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (TQMS), or optical or refractive index detectors.
Tips to fast track experiments using chromatography.
Consider your molecule and all the interactions it could have on its journey. Thoughtful selection at the outset will pay off upon entering the lab.
- Column, charge stationary phase, and hardware choice all affect experiment results, so choose carefully.
- Make decisions about consumables that help mitigate interactions and achieve consistent results.
- Plan ahead. How many samples do you need today, tomorrow, next month, and beyond?
- Think big. Your work can inspire other scientists around the world. Can they set up your methods in their laboratory? Make sure that the consumables that are built into your method today can be purchased in the future and by your fellow scientists around the world.
Are you interested in learning more about applications and techniques that you can use day-to-day on the bench? Sign up to be notified of upcoming ZAGENO educational content webinars.
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4Would you like to improve your experiment results? ZAGENO is happy to connect scientists with subject matter experts to help with experiments in an advisory role.
