introduction
Analytical Capabilities
We provide specialized analytical services in stable isotope tracing, muscle protein metabolism, mitochondrial physiology, and related biochemical analyses. Our methods can be applied to humans. animals, and, where appropriate, cultured cells.
Our core expertise is isotope ratio mass spectrometry for quantifying tracer enrichment in protein-bound amino acids. We complement these measurements with functional, molecular, and biochemical assays that provide mechanistic context for studies of protein turnover and metabolism. Investigators can request individual analyses or discuss a broader analytical package tailored to their study.
Partnerships
Service Pricing Tiers
| Academic - Collaborative | Reduced rates may be available for projects conducted as formal scientific collaborations. Where intellectual and scientific contributions meet accepted authorship criteria, publication roles and expectations are discussed and agreed at the outset of the project. |
| Academic - Non-collaborative | Fee-for-service analysis for academic and not-for-profit institutions. Investigators submit samples according to agreed preparation and shipping requirements, and we return the specified analytical outputs. |
| Commercial | Project-based analytical support for industry-funded research, including nutrition, ingredient, supplement, pharmaceutical, and sport-science applications. Scope, timelines, and pricing are quoted on a project-by-project basis. |
Services
Core Analyses
GC-IRMS — Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
Trace 1310 · GC IsoLink II · Conflo IV · Delta Q Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer
We use gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS) to determine 13C/12C and D/H enrichment in amino acids isolated from protein-containing samples, including skeletal muscle and plasma proteins. Our wet laboratory also supports sample preparation, including homogenization, hydrolysis, purification, and derivatization. Projects can be quoted for mass spectrometry analysis alone or for complete sample preparation and analysis.
Sample type, preparation, shipping, and minimums are confirmed at quoting.
Body Water Enrichment — Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy
Picarro Cavity Ringdown Spectrometer L2130-I Isotopic H2O
We measure deuterium enrichment of body water from saliva or plasma using cavity ringdown spectroscopy. This approach provides precise measurements from small sample volumes with minimal preparation. Body-water enrichment is a key reference measurement in deuterated-water tracer studies because integrated synthesis rates are calculated relative to the level of isotopic enrichment achieved over the sampling period.
Sample type, preparation, shipping, and minimums are confirmed at quoting.
High-Resolution Respirometry
Oroboros O2K High Resolution Respirometer
High-resolution measurement of mitochondrial oxygen flux in permeabilized muscle fibres, isolated mitochondria, or intact cells, with respiratory states assessed using substrate-uncoupler-inhibitor titration protocols.
Note: Fresh tissue only; frozen samples cannot be used.
Sample type, preparation, shipping, and minimums are confirmed at quoting.
Real-Time PCR
Quant Studio 3 Real-Time PCR Instrument
Sample type, preparation, shipping, and minimums are confirmed at quoting.
Amino Acid Analysis
Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph (GC) coupled to an Agilent 5977C Mass Selective Detector (MSD) single quadrupole mass spectrometer
Plasma and intracellular amino acid concentrations.
Sample type, preparation, shipping, and minimums are confirmed at quoting.
Additional
Additional Analyses
Exercise, Strength & Fitness Testing
Exercise and functional testing can include graded exercise tests for VO2peak, isometric and isokinetic knee-extensor strength, one-repetition maximum testing, handgrip strength, and study-specific physical-performance measures.
Standard Laboratory Procedures
Additional laboratory services include immunoblotting for total and phosphorylated proteins, ELISA, colorimetric enzyme activity assays such as citrate synthase, and histological assessment of muscle fibre type and cross-sectional area. These analyses can be requested individually or incorporated into a broader analytical package.
Equipment
Complete Hardware Manifest
001
Trace 1310 Gas Chromatography with Iso Link II
002
Delta-Q Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer
003
Picarro Cavity Ringdown Spectrometer L2130-I Isotopic H2O
004
Oroboros O2K High Resolution Respirometer
005
Bio-Rad Chemi-Doc Imaging Systems
006
Quant Studio 3 Real-Time PCR Instrument
007
Humac Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer
008
Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph (GC) coupled to an Agilent 5977C Mass Selective Detector (MSD) single quadrupole mass spectrometer
Contact
Service Request
To request a quotation or further information about the lab’s services and capabilities, please submit the following form.
