Desorption Ionization Studies Using Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry

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This project is in the general area of analytical and surface chemistry and in the subfield of mass spectrometry. During the tenure of this three-year continuing grant, Professor Russell and his students will apply matrix assisted laser desorption ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (MALDI/FTMS) to the development of techniques to investigate the structure and reactivity of large biomolecules. This research, which builds upon results obtained under the aegis of NSF grant CHE-8821780, seeks to find a method for inducing sequence-specific cleavage of polypeptide and polynucleotide ions. A primary focus of Professor Russell's efforts centers around the use of excited state gas phase metal ions as a means to cause these large biomolecules of interest to fragment selectively. %%% The successful attainment of the goals of this research would provide a facile method for the rapid determination of structures of complex peptides and nucleic acids in the femtomole concentration regime. Such analytical methods are of extreme importance to advances in biotechnology and clinical chemistry.