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Material Measurement Laboratory

Biomolecular Measurement Division

The Biomolecular Measurement Division provides the measurement science, standards, technology, and data required to support the nation’s needs in determining the composition, structure, quantity, and function of biomolecules.

Bioreactor Facility
BMD supports US biopharmaceutical industry through biomanufacturing initiative.
IBBR
The NIST presence at IBBR is BMD's Biomolecular Structure and Function Group.
BMD Postdoctoral Fellow
30+ NRC Postdoctoral Research Opportunities are located in BMD.

Welcome to the Biomolecular Measurement Division

In partnership with U.S. industry, government agencies, and scientific institutions, the Biomolecular Measurement Division performs fundamental and applied research on the measurement of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, as well as peptides, glycans, metabolites, lipids, and natural products.  The Division provides measurement science, reference materials, reference data, and technologies to foster innovation and confidence in measurements needed to advance biotechnology, DNA forensics, biomedical and bioscience research, and health care.

News and Updates

Awards

2025 - ACS Fellow---Karen Phinney

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Fellows Program recognizes ACS members for "their outstanding achievements in and contributions to the science and the profession and for their equally exemplary service to the Society."

Press Coverage

Worldwide map showing locations of the 76 NIST Glycan Interlaboratory Study participants in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Exposed: cells’ sugary secrets

Nature
NIST Mass Spectrometry Research Center contributes to the global effort to decode the sugary molecules that guide biological processes.

Projects and Programs

A schematic overview showing the distribution of the standardized samples to study participants, the use of standardized protocols for measurements, and standardized reporting of data back to NIST for analysis.

AAPS Interlaboratory Study: Protein Aggregation and Immunogenicity

Ongoing
To ensure the safety and efficacy of protein-based biotherapeutics, manufacturers strive to avoid unwanted immune responses caused by the biotherapeutic. Protein immunogenicity is a complex topic and depends on multiple factors related to the product, patient profile, and treatment. 1 , 2...
Bioman lifecycle

Biomanufacturing Program

Ongoing
The NIST Biomanufacturing Initiative is designed to bolster the U.S. biopharmaceutical industry by providing the measurement science, standards, and analytical tools necessary to produce high-quality, low-cost protein drugs. The program focuses on the entire bioprocess lifecycle, aiming to foster...
dogs sensing

Chemical/Biochemical Microsensor Science

Ongoing
The objective of our program is the development of advanced sensing concepts and components aimed at overcoming performance shortfalls in existing technology. Sensing observed in nature and biological systems serves as a difficult-to-emulate inspiration to our studies. Research efforts have involved...
RM 8675

Clinical and Forensic Reference Materials

Ongoing
Below is a listing of the reference materials currently produced by the Applied Genetics group. Clinical Diagnostics SRM 2393 - CAG Repeat Length Mutation in Huntington`s Disease SRM 2365 - BK Virus DNA Quantitative Standard SRM 2366a - Cytomegalovirus DNA (Towne Δ147 BAC) for DNA SRM 2367 - JC...

Contacts

Division Chief (Acting)

Division Office Manager

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