Acquisition of an LC/MS/MS System for Chemistry and Medical School Departments

University Of North Dakota Main Campus, Grand Forks ND

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Chemistry and Medical School Departments at the University of North Dakota will acquire a high-resolution tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS, QQTOF geometry) with an atmospheric pressure ionization (API) source. The system will be interfaced to liquid chromatography (LC/MS/MS). This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including a) the identification of selenium-containing proteins and related compounds in plants and in biological functions once they have been consumed; b) studies on the dopamine transporter protein; c) analysis of the biochemistry of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and its metabolites; d) characterization of suprachoroidal fluid in chick eyes; and e) synthesis of C-glycosides, C-disaccharides, and related compounds. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS) is an extremely powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. This will be the first instrument with high resolution MS and tandem MS capabilities in the entire state of North Dakota. These studies will have a strong impact in biochemistry.