General Introduction

The Pharmaceutical Automated Analysis Laboratory was established to support research laboratories within the Faculty of Pharmacy. It is a specialized facility dedicated to applying modern technologies for the extraction and analysis of pharmaceutical compounds, medicinal plants, and their derivatives.

Founded in 2021 as a service-oriented research laboratory within the Department of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Medical Sciences, the laboratory has since expanded to support a wide range of research areas across An-Najah National University and external institutions. Its work includes advancing automated extraction and analytical methods for drugs, medicinal plants, and natural products.

The laboratory aims to provide cutting-edge research in chemical analysis and to develop advanced analytical techniques using state-of-the-art automated technologies, such as:

  • UV-Vis Spectroscopy
  • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
  • Freeze Drying Extraction
  • Supercritical CO2 Extraction

This laboratory serves as a core research and service hub for developing pharmaceutical and botanical studies that contribute to improving drug efficacy and enhancing the value of medicinal plant products used in both traditional and modern medicine.

With strong analytical capabilities aligned with the latest scientific standards, the laboratory plays an essential role in strengthening collaboration between academic and industrial research sectors in the fields of pharmaceutical and botanical sciences.

Vision

To become a leading center for research and development in automated chemical analysis and advanced extraction of pharmaceutical and medicinal plant products. The laboratory aims to be a trusted source of scientific innovation that contributes to the advancement of pharmaceutical and botanical research.

Mission

To provide high-quality, advanced research services using state-of-the-art analytical technologies that support and enhance pharmaceutical and medicinal plant testing. The laboratory works to strengthen scientific collaboration across academic and industrial sectors—inside and outside the university—and contribute to sustainable progress in pharmaceutical and botanical research for the benefit of society and the environment.

  • Developing innovative analytical methods: Designing and developing new, precise analytical techniques to identify active components in pharmaceuticals and medicinal plants.
  • Automated extraction of active compounds: Employing advanced automated extraction technologies to preserve the chemical and physical properties of extracted materials.
  • Analysis of natural and synthetic compounds: Studying plant-based natural compounds as well as synthetic pharmaceutical compounds to understand their composition and chemical/physical characteristics.
  • Enhancing quality of pharmaceutical and herbal products: Conducting rigorous testing to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of drugs and medicinal plant products.
  • Investigating bioactive compounds: Examining the biological effects of active compounds identified through automated analysis in the university’s medical, biological, and pharmaceutical research facilities.
  • Utilizing modern technologies: Employing advanced analytical technologies to improve accuracy and efficiency, including:
    • UV-Vis Spectroscopy
    • HPLC
    • GC-MS
  • Supporting traditional and herbal medicine: Studying medicinal plants used in traditional medicine by extracting and analyzing their active components.
  • Promoting environmental sustainability: Focusing on efficient use of natural resources and developing eco-friendly, sustainable products.
  • Strengthening research and development collaboration: Enhancing partnerships between research departments and academic/industrial institutions to support applied research in pharmaceuticals and medicinal plants.
  • Training research talent: Equipping students and researchers with hands-on skills in advanced analytical and automated extraction technologies to prepare them for careers in pharmaceutical and botanical sciences.
  • Scientific knowledge dissemination: Publishing high-quality scientific research in reputable international journals to expand knowledge and strengthen the laboratory’s global standing.

The laboratory is equipped with advanced technologies to support its research and training mission, including:

  • Spectroscopic Instruments
    • UV-Vis Spectrophotometer (2 units)
  • Chromatography Systems
    • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
      • Binary HPLC Pump Waters 1525 with a six-port manual injector and a Waters 2998 diode array detector
    • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
      • Perkin Elmer 500 CLARUS Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometer Clarus 650D
  • Advanced Extraction Systems

    • Labconco FreeZone 2.5 Liter Benchtop Freeze Dry System (-84°C)

    • Careddi Supercritical CO2 Extraction Machine (HA120-50-005)

  • Supporting Equipment

    • Precision analytical balances, sample preparation tools, pH meters, conductivity meters, ABBE digital refractometers, and other devices.

These facilities enable the laboratory to deliver reliable and high-quality services for academic research, drug development, and medicinal plant analysis.

The laboratory collaborates with Palestinian pharmaceutical industries, drug registration offices, herbal supplement importers, research laboratories at An-Najah National University, and other institutions.

The laboratory provides training opportunities for students to develop practical skills in pharmaceutical and botanical analytical techniques.

Location: Pharmacy Building No. 19, Floor B2
Faculty of Pharmacy
An-Najah National University

Email: [email protected]