Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography

EVERYDAY USE OF CHROMATOGRAPHY

DEVELOPING VACCINES

Chromatography is useful in adjudging which antibodies fight various diseases and viruses. Scientists used Chromatography in the fight against the Ebola virus, responsible for over 11,000 deaths, to develop the experimental immunization. The process was used to find out which antibodies are the most effective at neutralizing the virus.

 Food testing

The earlier methods of analysis were effective at determining the composition of raw samples but indecisive when analyzing processed meats, so a more precise method was searched. High performance liquid chromatography, combined with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was successfully used.

 Beverage testing

Many drinks manufacturers use this technique to certify each bottle of their product is the same, so you can be confident on a consistent taste.

 Drug testing

As chromatography can specifically identify substances within the bloodstream, it is widely used in sport to test athletes for consuming or performance enhancing drugs.

Forensic testing

Chromatography is also used to help catch culprits. with programs like CSI, gas chromatography is used to analyze blood and cloth samples, helping to identify the offender.