A. N. College, Patna

The Central Instrumentation Centre (CIC) at A.N. College, Patna serves as the nucleus of advanced scientific research and analytical services, providing state-of-the-art instrumentation facilities to students, researchers, and faculty across disciplines. Established to promote interdisciplinary research, the CIC houses cutting-edge analytical equipment including spectrophotometers (UV-Vis, FTIR), chromatographic systems (HPLC, GC), atomic absorption spectrometers, advanced microscopy systems and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The center plays a pivotal role in supporting PG research projects, PhD theses, and industrial collaborations, particularly in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and material science.

With a team of trained technical staff and faculty experts, the CIC offers hands-on training programs on sophisticated instruments, ensuring optimal utilization of resources. The center follows strict calibration and maintenance protocols, with many instruments linked to national calibration networks. It actively collaborates with DST-FIST, UGC, and other funding agencies to upgrade infrastructure, recently acquiring NanoDrop for DNA/RNA analysis and PCR equipment for molecular biology research.

The CIC also serves as a regional analytical hub, providing paid testing services to local industries, agriculture sectors, and environmental agencies. Through its open-access policy and scheduled booking system, the center has significantly enhanced the college's research output, contributing to high-impact publications and patent filings. Future expansion plans include establishing Biosafety Level-2 facilities and integrating with National Instrumentation Grid to serve as a nodal center for eastern Bihar.

1. Core Analytical Facilities:

• Spectroscopy Division:
• UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu 2600)
• FTIR Spectrometer (PerkinElmer Frontier)
• Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) with graphite furnace
• Fluorimeter with temperature-controlled cuvette holder
• Chromatography Unit:
• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with PDA detector
• Gas Chromatograph (GC) with FID and TCD detectors
• Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) documentation system

2. Specialized Equipment:

• Material Characterization:
• Polarizing Microscope with image analysis
• Digital Melting Point Apparatus
• Particle Size Analyzer (Malvern Mastersizer)
• Environmental Analysis:
• BOD Incubator
• COD Digestion System
• Flame Photometer

3. Supporting Infrastructure:

• Controlled Environment Labs:
• Constant temperature/humidity chamber (25±1°C, 50±5% RH)
• Vibration-free optical tables for sensitive measurements
• Dedicated electrical substation with voltage stabilizers
• Sample Preparation Areas:
• Wet chemistry lab with fume hoods
• Microwave digestion system
• Ultrasonic homogenizer
• Centrifuges (up to 15,000 rpm)

4. Computational & Data Analysis:

• Workstations with specialized software:
• ChemStation for chromatography data
• OriginPro for spectral analysis
• Crystal structure visualization tools

5. Safety & Maintenance Systems:

• Gas Detection System for compressed gases
• Emergency power backup (20 kVA UPS + generator)
• Annual maintenance contracts with OEMs
• Calibration Laboratory with NIST-traceable standards

6. User Facilities:

• Online booking portal for instrument scheduling
• Training lab with demo instruments
• Technical library with instrument manuals and SOPs
• Sample storage (-20°C freezer and desiccator cabinets)

The CIC operates with ISO 9001:2015 certified procedures and provides analytical services to 13+ departments within the college as well as external users from industries and research institutions. The center is currently expanding its capabilities with DST-FIST Phase-II funding to incorporate Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis systems. A dedicated instrumentation workshop provides basic repair and maintenance support and also facilitates X-ray diffraction (XRD) testing.. The facility maintains collaborations with IIT Patna, CSIR labs, and state pollution control board for method development and proficiency testing.