Integration of Liquid-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Across the Chemistry Curriculum

Loyola University Of Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

Chemistry (12) Analytical methods incorporating liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry are an integral part of research in academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial research laboratories. While LC/MS is discussed in undergraduate analytical lecture courses associated with Instrumental and Quantitative analysis, undergraduates rarely obtain any "hands-on" experience with LC/MS instrumentation. We are integrating into our undergraduate curriculum three laboratory experiments, adapted from the research literature, that utilize electrospray ionization (ESI) and LC/ Ion-Trap MS as an analytical component. Chemistry majors are introduced to LC/MS in their second semester of organic chemistry where they study the reactivity of various amino acids in solid phase peptide synthesis. Undergraduate biochemistry students use ESI and LC/Ion Trap MS to measure the molecular weight of the protein glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and the masses of its tryptic fragments. Students in our instrumental analysis laboratory compare ESI and Ion Trap MS to ICP-quadrupole MS and other analytical methods for the determination of lead in the local environment. In addition, undergraduate students are using ESI and LC/ Ion-Trap MS in their research projects.