The University of the Free State (UFS) has unveiled a cutting-edge analytical laboratory on the Qwaqwa Campus, equipped with more than R4 million worth of advanced technology – marking a significant milestone in its research capabilities and collaborative potential.
After two years of meticulous planning and application, the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, with support from the Dean’s office, the Principalship, and Central Research funds, successfully acquired a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system from Gibbs Technologies and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) machine from Shimadzu.
Precision analysis with new GC-MS technology
Dr Arun Gokul, Senior Lecturer in Plant Sciences, emphasised the significance of these acquisitions, stating, “This equipment allows us to analyse volatile gas and liquid compounds with unparalleled precision, opening doors to a wide range of research applications.”
The journey to operational readiness was not without its challenges. The university invested in substantial infrastructure upgrades, including a dedicated battery backup system, which ensures a constant power supply crucial for the Scion 8700 SQ GC-MS’s vacuum-dependent operation. “The university’s commitment to providing stable power is a game changer,” Dr Gokul noted, highlighting the institution’s dedication to supporting advanced research.
Prof Sandy-Lynn Steenhuisen, Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, elaborated on the unique capabilities of the GC-MS system. “We are one of only two institutions in South Africa with a flex auto-sampler, enabling us to automatically analyse multiple sample types,” she explained. This configuration allows for heating, agitation, headspace auto-injection, and solvent liquid injection, making the Qwaqwa lab exceptionally versatile.
Analytical powerhouse: lab attracts interest from other institutions, aiming to become a key regional resource
While standard, the Nexera LC-40 XS HPLC is modular, paving the way for future upgrades, including the addition of mass spectrometry for enhanced compound identification. “This versatility allows us to cater to a broad spectrum of research needs, from agricultural and medical applications to biotechnology,” Prof Steenhuisen added.
The lab’s launch has already attracted interest from other institutions. Mr Mohamed-Deen Hendricks and Dr Gerhard Basson from the University of the Western Cape were among the first clients, demonstrating the lab’s potential for inter-institutional collaboration and third-party services.
Dr Gokul envisions the lab becoming a regional hub for analytical services and training. “We aim to offer short learning programmes and method development services, not only for UFS researchers, but also for external institutions and industries,” he said. This initiative aligns with the university’s goal of generating third-stream income while disseminating knowledge.
The lab’s strategic location and advanced equipment position the UFS Qwaqwa Campus as a leader in analytical research, contributing to the ‘One Health’ initiative and fostering collaboration across South Africa’s 24 universities. With competitive internal rates for UFS researchers and external rates for industry, the lab is poised to become an invaluable resource for the scientific community.
As the team prepares for HPLC training in April, they are developing a comprehensive marketing strategy to showcase their capabilities and attract further collaboration. “We are excited about the future and the potential to make a significant impact in various fields,” Prof Steenhuisen concluded.