# Analytical Chemistry Core

> **NIH NIH P42** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2021 · $430,698

## Abstract

ABSTRACT: CORE A
The Analytical Core A functions as an integral part of the Superfund Research Center at UC Davis. Methods
are developed to detect biomarkers of exposure to hazardous substances in the environment, and to assess
the impact these substances have on human health.
Core A provides the analytical support critical to solving collaborative research problems. Sophisticated
instrumentation is used to develop chromatographic and spectrometric methods necessary for the elucidation
of biomarkers. Specifically, Core A provides compound identification and assesses chemical purity; identifies
remediation products, potential ligands associated with xenobiotics, and targeted metabolites (Projects 1, 4
and 5); provides reference methods for biosensor validation and immunochemical detection of environmental
substances (Projects 2 and 3); and provides metabolomics support (Projects 1, 4 and 5). Core A offers
assistance to investigators interested in obtaining and interpreting spectra generated at other campus service
laboratories such as the NMR and proteomic facility. Instrument training and education is also offered to
investigators in conjunction with the Training Core (Core E).
A range of innovative services is offered by Core A, with emphasis on analytical method development. The
Core has 3 LC-MS/MSs, 1 LC-ToF-MS, 2 GC-MSs, and an Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS). Hazardous
substances and their metabolites are measured in human or animal samples, and can be detected with high
sensitivity. For example, the AMS has a detection limit of ~1 amol 14C, and is 100 000 times more sensitive
than the traditional liquid scintillation counter. Another technique used to assess biomarkers of hazardous
substances is metabolomics analysis, a high throughput method that screens for metabolites within biological
samples. Here, an innovative LC-MS/MS method is used to screen for 87 lipid metabolites to determine the
consequence of hazardous substances on regulatory lipids.
Core A is a significant collaborative component of the UC Davis Superfund Center, driving forward Superfund
research projects. This Core advances the analytical techniques required to assess biomarkers of hazardous
substances. Researchers within Core A continue to work on expanding the metabolomics platform in order to
provide more sensitivity and higher throughput. The AMS throughput is also increasing, allowing for efficient
sample analysis. By providing innovative and advanced technology, this Core is a valued part of the research
program. It generates solutions to problems surrounding the environmental contamination of hazardous
substances, and interrogates the risk these substances pose on human health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10179378
- **Project number:** 5P42ES004699-33
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Jun Yang
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $430,698
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-04-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10179378

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10179378, Analytical Chemistry Core (5P42ES004699-33). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10179378. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*