MRI: Development of a Novel Nano-mechanical Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer

Trustees Of Boston University, Boston

Investigators

Abstract

0216274 Ekinci Funding is requested for the development of a novel matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. The goal of this development is to replace the conventional microchannel plate (MCP) detectors in an existing MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer by resonant nano-mechanical sensors to improve its mass spectrometric capabilities. The proposed development will result in a room temperature MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer with very high mass resolution and sensitivity and practically no upper limit for detectable mass. This is a much-needed analytical tool for chemical and biological sciences and offers prospects for studying many different macromolecules. It also appears that this will be the first application where nano-mechanical systems are being employed as ultra-fast sensors.