Ion Mobility Spectrometry- quadrupole Time-of-Flight (IMS-qToF) Mass Spectrometer

Wayne State University, Detroit MI

Investigators

Abstract

Summary Biomedical research in the modern age has been revolutionized by the high resolution and high sensitivity mass analysis provided by state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS) instruments. The Lumigen Instrument Center (LIC) at Wayne State University has a mission to provide researchers at the university and in the regional area with reliable and diverse user-based MS analysis to elevate their research productivity. As part of the strategic plan of the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory in the LIC, the Mass Spectrometry Advisory Committee identified two current challenges for users. First, the substantial down time of a 17-year old Liquid Chromatography-Time-of-Flight (LC-TOF) instrument has prevented vital high resolution mass analysis, which has dramatically affected user research productivity. Second, the outdated hardware and software of a 14 year-old LTQ Orbitrap XL has stalled application to variety of projects. Finally, development of new methods to address the unique needs of individual users is limited due to the absence of new and powerful technologies, including Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS). To address these challenges, this application requests funds for an Ion Mobility Spectrometry- quadrupole Time-of-Flight (IMS-qTOF) Mass Spectrometer at Wayne State University. The instrument will significantly enhance research accomplishment in mass spectrometry (MS) on our campus. First, the IMS-qTOF will replace outdated and failing MS instruments for routine high-resolution analysis of small molecules and biomolecules. Second, the instrument will provide the only mass spectrometer in a shared facility on campus with IMS capability, which will enable NIH-funded researchers to expand and transform their research activities. The multiple capabilities of the instrument will include Top-Down and Bottom-Up Protein identification, protein adduct and conjugation characterization, protein conformational studies, biomarker discovery, drug-antibody characterization, accurate mass determination, and multi-omics workflows. The instrument will support the research programs of at least 19 users at Wayne State University and the regional area, which include chemists, biologists, environmental scientists, and medical researchers. The IMS-qTOF will be housed and maintained in the Lumigen Instrument Center (LIC), which has strong institution support from the University, the Office of the Vice President of Research, and the College of Liberal Arts and Science. The LIC has an exemplary record of instrument stewardship, with dedicated staff, facilities, and management to support the long-term use of the instrument. Importantly, the user-focused structure of the LIC will promote development of a unique array of new methods for each user’s individual research projects. The acquisition of an IMS-qToF is aligned with the long-term strategic plan of the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory at the LIC, which seeks to provide state-of-the-art and reliable MS instruments to implement innovative user-initiated projects at Wayne State University and local area community.