Analytical Biochemistry

The Analytical Biochemistry resource was established to support and facilitate collaborative cancer research between the various disciplines at the UH Cancer Center by providing chemical analyses which contribute to understanding chronic diseases in populations in Hawaiʻi and elsewhere. It also assists in the determination of the nature or structure of biological molecules as well as the quantification of those compounds and also performs routine clinical chemistry. The facility is equipped with essential instruments needed to perform highly-sensitive analytical chemistry, and modern, state-of-the-art technology for difficult-to-measure and ultra-low concentrated compounds.

The laboratory is routinely conducting analyses of clinical analytes, lipid soluble plasma antioxidants, serum carotenoids and vitamins in support of projects funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies with focus on research. The resource constantly updates its assays to utilize the latest state-of-the-art technology. For example, blood Vitamin C is now measured by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection which is faster and more accurate relative to the traditional colorimetric method. HPLC-based assays are transitioning to smaller column diameters, faster flow rates and the use of ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography to provide better sensitivity, faster analysis time and less waste generation. This core provides clinical chemistry services using robotic autoanalyzers (Cobas Mira Plus, Roche) and conducts routine assays based on liquid chromatography with diode-array detection, eletrochemical detection and predominantly mass spectrometry (LC/MS) using a tandem MS system (TSQ Ultra, Thermo) or of two available high-resolution accurate-mass orbitrap systems (Q-Exactive, Thermo). These high-end MS instruments offer improved sensitivity, selectivity and accuracy for many analytes. The array of ionization options include electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI) and most recently open air ionization using direct analysis in real time (DART). This resource also provides services for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) including multiplexed operations using Luminex technology.  More recently measurements of pigments in the eye are offered using a Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) reader (model Macular Metrix II instrument acquired in 2016 from Macular Metrics, Rehoboth, Massachusetts).  A specialty of ABSR services is to multiplex assays to reduce turn-around time and cost.

For a complete list of established services, visit our Analytical Biochemistry Services Offered page and our cost schedule page which are regularly updated.

For more information and requests about analytical chemistry services not listed please contact Dr. Franke directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..