Instrumentation

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From Spectroscopy to Spectrometry

The MILQ-Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical platforms, including mass spectrometry–based technologies, enabling highly sensitive, accurate, and high-throughput assessment of nutritional status, micronutrients, and metabolic biomarkers across diverse biological matrices. These capabilities support rigorous, translational research in maternal–infant nutrition, global health, and metabolomics.

SCIEX ExionLC AD UHPLC - QTRAP 6500+ MS

Clean white laboratory bench with mass spectrometer, HPLC and monitors

SCIEX ExionLC AD UHPLC - QTRAP 6500+ MS

Our SCIEX system supports targeted metabolomics and micronutrient analyses. We have developed robust methods for measuring mulitple B-vitamins, as well as for water-soluble forms of choline & related metabolites, in human milk and blood samples (including plasma/serum, red blood cells, or whole blood). 

 

Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC - 6495D TQ MS

Agilent LC-MS in the laboratory

Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC coupled with the 6495D Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

Our Agilent LC-MS system I represents our latest addition to support targeted metabolomics and micronutrient analysis. This powerful system is currently optimized for comprehensive micronutrient blood sample analysis by simultaneous measurement of multiple B-vitamins and water-soluble choline-related metabolites across plasma/serum, red blood cells, or whole blood — all from a single sample extract. This method was introduced at the ASN Nutrition Conference 2025.

Perkin Elmer NexION 2000 ICP-MS

Analytical lab instrument with computer, blue tubing, and stainless steel sample tank

Perkin Elmer NexION 2000 ICP-MS

Our ICP-MS system enables precise macro- and trace-element analysis of human milk and plasma samples. For more challenging sample types, our laboratory is equipped with the CEM MARS 6 microwave digestion system, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Agilent 1260 HPLC-MWL

1260 HPLC instrument

Agilent 1260 HPLC-MWL

Our Agilent 1260 HPLC system is equipped with a binary pump and a multi-wavelength detector, enabling the simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths. This system is currently utilized for the quantification of vitamins A and E, delivering reliable results with high throughput efficiency.

 

Agilent 1200 HPLC-DAD/FLD

Clean analytical lab bench with stacked HPLC modules, reagent bottles, monitor, and vial racks

Agilent 1200 HPLC-DAD/FLD

Our Agilent 1200 HPLC system features a quaternary pump paired with both a diode array and fluorescence detector, allowing for a broader range of detection capabilities. Previously utilized for vitamin B1 vitamer analyses in human milk and red blood cells, this methodology has since been transferred to LC-MS applications, and the system is currently reserved for occasional use.

KPM Neonatal Anlayzer - Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

KPM Spectrastar analyzer

SpectraStar 2600 XT Neonatal Analyzer

Neonatal Analyzer — dedicated exclusively to macronutrient analysis of human milk — employs near-infrared spectroscopy to deliver rapid, reliable measurements of lipids, protein, carbohydrates, lactose, and energy content. Samples undergo homogenization by sonication prior to analysis to ensure measurement accuracy.

 

Roche cobas e411

The cobas® e411 is an immunoassay analyzer uses electrochemiluminescence technology to perform qualitative and quantitative tests for clinical diagnostics with high efficiency and throughput. 

Biotek Epoch/Synergy

BioTek Epoch: Compact, reliable absorbance reader ideal for routine ELISAs, enzyme kinetics, and OD600 growth assays.

BioTek Synergy 2: Versatile multimode reader (absorbance/fluorescence/luminescence) for high-sensitivity, multiplexed and cell-based assays.

Roche cobas c303

The cobas® c 303 is a clinical chemistry analyzer designed to deliver high-quality photometric and ion-selective electrode (ISE) testing with efficient throughput for routine laboratory diagnostics.

MESO QuickPlex

The Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) multiplex platform is an electrochemiluminescence-based immunoassay technology enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple biomarkers in a single sample with a broad dynamic range.