MRI: Acquisition of a Liquid Chromatograph-Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer with Electrospray/Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization to Support Faculty-Student Research

Saint Olaf College, Northfield MN

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Saint Olaf College will acquire a liquid chromatograph-ion trap mass spectrometer (LC/MS) with electrospray/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including a) studies on the abundance and structural forms of therapeutic agents, metabolites, personal care products and their degradation products in surface water systems located in agricultural areas; and b) analytical methods development combined with biochemical combinatorial synthesis with a goal towards understanding how an array of chemical structures influence receptor binding sites. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (LC/MS) is an extremely powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. This instrument will substantially strengthen scientific research at the Saint Olaf College, a primarily undergraduate institution. These studies will have a solid impact in the area of environmental chemistry and biochemistry.