The AU Specialized Pharmaceutical & Experimental Center for Translational Research & Analysis (SPECTRA) provides expertise in the areas of analytical development and analysis capabilities to support identification and quantification of known and unknown analytes or nanomedicines, and/or their metabolites or degradation products; design and completion of stability, in vitro drug uptake/transport and in vivo pharmacokinetics (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination, ADME) and pharmacodynamic (efficacy and toxicity) studies; and assistance with development or/use of a variety animal models.
To date, SPECTRA has provided collaborative assistance to investigators funded by NIH (R01, R21, R15, R03, R44/R43, R41/42, R61), NSF, DOD, and many private agencies.
The core provides assistance with study design, sample preparation and method development, bioanalysis (UHPLC-MS/MS), and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis. Currently, his core is limited to HPLC and UHPLC with UV/VIS, fluorescence, and mass spectrometry (triple-quad) detection. The core has previously and currently supports investigators interested in drug discovery, preclinical evaluations, and translational/clinical studies.
To assist in the design and implementation of in vitro and in vivo studies, method development and analysis.
To provide state of the art analytical tools to support detection and quantitative analysis of new and existing analytes.
To collaborate and advance the research and educational missions of Auburn University.
The Center is available to all Auburn University researchers and external collaborators on a fee-for-use basis. There are no fees associated with pre-planning or assisting in the preparation of grant applications. Letters of support are provided routinely to investigators proposing to use the center in grant applications (over 30 to date).
The Center has collaborated with over 20 investigators whose research is supported by federal (i.e., NIH, DOD and NSF), private institutions, and regional funding sources.
Agilent UHPLC-MS/MS QQQ System:
Agilent 1100 HPLC System:
Sample Preparation:
A full range of ancillary equipment is available, including a Multivap w/water baths, a SpeedVac with organic trap, Polytron tissue homogenizer with 5 generators, 2 tissue sonicators, multi-well plate shakers/mixers, orbital shakers, platform shakers and centrifuges.Suitable Analytes:
Bioanalytical and PK: An Agilent 1290 UHPLC – 6460 LC-MS QQQ System. Key components include an automated solvent selection system, ultra high-pressure binary pump, temperature-controlled autosampler, column heater w/switching option, 2 channel diode array and fluorescent detectors, and a 6460 tandem mass spectrometer (QQQ) with JetStream ESI source and APCI source that is well suited for quantification of low ng quantities (pg on column) of drug and lipids in complex tissue samples and an Agilent ultra-high purity nitrogen generator.
Includes MassHunter (for instrument control, data acquisition, and processing, reporting) and Mass Profiler Professional (for statistical and differential analysis of multiple sample groups) software. The system is under a comprehensive service warranty that includes annual preventative maintenance.
This system is part of a pharmacokinetic and bioanalytical core at Auburn University: AU Specialized Pharmaceutical & Experimental Center for Translational Research & Analysis “SPECTRA”, where Dr. Arnold was its founder and serves as its Director. Dr. Arnold’s laboratory also includes 2 x solid-phase extraction systems, various speed vac units, and other equipment for the development and analysis of drugs from different formulations and biological samples.
In addition, Dr. Arnold maintains a variety of software applications for conducting non-compartmental and compartmental pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis, modeling, and simulation (M&S), including Phoneix WinNonlin, GastroPlus suite, and ADAPT II, and others.
The purchase of the UHPLC-MS/MS and establishment of the center was supported by the Auburn University Major Grant Program (MGP-IV) in collaboration with the Harrison College of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Samuel Ginn School of Engineering and the Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer (AURIC). Rates for services can be found below:
Initial Training and Feasibility: $0
Method Development and Analysis, UHPLC-Fluor, -DAD, MS/MS - $125/hr
Data Processing (Self): $0 OR
Data Processing (Operator Assisted or via Collaboration): $25/hr
Director
Robert D. Arnold, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Drug Discovery and Development
Harrison College of Pharmacy
Phone: 334-844-8434
Email: rda0007@auburn.edu
Dr. Arnold is a Professor of Pharmaceutics in the Department of Drug Discovery and Development at Auburn University and the Director of the Specialized Pharmaceutical Experimental Center for Therapeutics Research and Analysis (AU SPECTRA). He has over 20 years of experience in the area of pharmaceutical sciences and bioanalysis. His independent research program focuses on the development of novel dosing schedules and lipid-based composite nanomedicines, such as liposomes. Dr. Arnold employs a diverse range of in vitro and in vivo models of human diseases, alongside the application of mass spectrometry techniques to detect and quantify drugs, metabolites, and components of nanomedicines.
Dr. Robert Arnold is the Director of AU SPECTRA bioanalytical core, he oversees its management and operation.