MRI: Acquisition of MALDI TOF/TOF Mass Spectrometer

University Of Texas At San Antonio, San Antonio TX

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program Professor Stephan B. Bach from University of Texas San Antonio and colleagues Miguel Jose Yacaman, Donald Kurtz, Waldemar Gorski and Harry Jarrett will acquire a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The proposal is aimed at enhancing research training and education at all levels, especially in areas such as (a) transition metal oxides, (b) metalloprotein characterization and intracellular location, (c) transcription factor proteome, proteomics and protein biomarkers, and (d) fundamental insights on the formation of stellated gold polyhedra at the nanoscale level. Mass spectrometers (MS) are used to identify the chemical composition of a sample by measuring the mass of the molecular constituents in the sample after they are ionized and detected by the mass spectrometer. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a technique for preparing the sample to be ionized by a laser before injection into the mass spectrometer. The time of flight (TOF) mass analyzer has high sensitivity and mass accuracy to assist the analyses and interpretation of the resultant data. This open access instrument will provide training to undergraduate, graduate and post doctoral students in state-of-the-art mass spectrometry usage not only at the University of Texas San Antonio but also at neighboring institutions.