Sydney Analytical: Your Biospectroscopy Toolkit

Elizabeth A. Carter

Sydney Analytical, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

The Sydney Analytical Vibrational Spectroscopy Facility offers a comprehensive suite of advanced tools and expert support for molecular characterisation, with a strong emphasis on Biospectroscopy. Our facility houses state-of-the-art infrared and Raman spectrometers, complemented by a wide range of specialised accessories including ATR modules, high-throughput sampling systems, live-cell incubators and temperature-controlled stages. These capabilities enable precise, non-destructive analysis of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and complex biological samples.

Our team brings decades of combined experience in vibrational spectroscopy and works closely with researchers to optimise experimental design, sample preparation, and spectral interpretation. We provide tailored support throughout the research process to ensure meaningful and reliable outcomes.

This presentation will showcase the facility’s biospectroscopy capabilities through selected case studies, including lipid membrane characterisation and monitoring stress responses in dental tissues. These examples demonstrate how vibrational spectroscopy contributes to understanding biomolecular structure, dynamics, and function in both health and disease. With an interdisciplinary reach and a strong commitment to collaborative research, the Sydney Analytical Vibrational Spectroscopy Facility empowers scientists to extract valuable insights from complex biological systems, driving innovation across the life sciences.

Biography

Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Carter is Facility Manager at the Sydney Analytical Vibrational Spectroscopy Node, University of Sydney. With over 30 years of expertise in vibrational spectroscopy, Liz has developed innovative sampling and measurement protocols for biological and interdisciplinary research. Her postdoctoral work in the UK pioneered non-invasive Raman spectroscopy to measure water concentration across the skin barrier, leading to the development of a commercial system for in vivo skin analysis.

Liz has advanced synchrotron-based FTIR techniques to study a range of biological cells and tissues and develop protocols for multi-modal spectroscopy. She supports a broad research community, guiding projects in biology, medicine, and cultural heritage, and plays a key role in ensuring the facility delivers high-quality data and expert support to researchers across disciplines.