Size exclusion chromatography-multi angle light scattering (SEC-mals) for enhancing biomedical research and education at fresno state

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded California State University Fresno $250,000 on September 1, 2026, under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to acquire a size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) instrument.

The SEC-MALS instrument will enable precise determination of molecular weight and size for macromolecules including proteins, lipids, and nanoparticles in their native states. The equipment will support multiple research projects at Fresno State, including design of multienzyme biocatalysts, antibody engineering for cancer imaging, and characterization of quantum dot assemblies. The instrument will also be integrated into biochemistry and analytical chemistry laboratory courses, providing hands-on training in advanced molecular characterization to approximately 80 students annually.

Performance occurs in Fresno, California. The award period extends from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. Fresno State is a Hispanic-serving institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution located in California's Central Valley.

Abstract

This proposal requests funding to acquire a size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-mals) instrument to enhance biomedical research and educational capabilities at california state university, fresno (fresno state). Accurate determination of the molecular weight and size of macromolecules in their native states is essential to many areas of biomedical and biochemical research, but IT remains technically challenging under the current research infrastructure at fresno state. SEC-mals is a powerful analytical technique that enables precise determination of molecular weight (molar mass) and size (radius of gyration) for a wide range of macromolecules in solution, including proteins, lipids, and nanoparticles. A key limitation of conventional analytical SEC is that IT only provides relative molecular weights based on calibration standards. SEC-mals instead delivers absolute molar mass with high accuracy and is widely used in biomedical research for applications such as protein characterization and pharmaceutical formulation. The requested instrument will support multiple research projects, including the design of multienzyme biocatalysts, antibody engineering for cancer imaging, and characterization of quantum DOT assemblies, allowing these studies to advance beyond current technological limitations at fresno state. The instrument will also be integrated into biochemistry and analytical chemistry laboratory courses to provide hands-on training in advanced molecular characterization to approximately 80 students each year. This activity will enhance the educational preparation of our students in the biomedical sciences by exposing them to analytical instrumentation commonly used in modern biomedical research. Fresno state is located in california's central valley, with more than 80% of its students coming from the region. A core strategic goal of the university is to prepare the next generation of stem and biomedical professionals through innovation and discovery. Acquisition of the SEC-mals system will bring critical new research capabilities to our campus, strengthen faculty and student research, and expand opportunities for high-impact training in the biomedical sciences at fresno state.