Fundamental Studies Involving Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules

本项目由分析和表面化学计划资助，将对基质辅助激光解吸/电离（MALDI）机制进行基础研究。虽然MALDI是在气相中制备大分子生物分子用于随后的质谱（MS）表征的更广泛使用的方法之一，但这一过程仍然知之甚少。结合这项基础研究，将努力优化MALDI制备用于质谱分析的DNA，以增加这些大分子在气相中的产量。此外，大生物分子离子断裂模式的动力学研究将继续进行，以便在分子水平上更好地理解DNA和蛋白质与小有机和无机底物的反应。本研究的主要目的是阐明基质辅助激光解吸/电离的机制，这是一种广泛使用但知之甚少的方法，用于制备用于质谱表征的大生物分子气相样品。优化这些离子形成过程也是该项目的一个目标。本研究目标的实现将极大地推动MALDI/MS在涉及大分子生物的复杂反应研究中的应用。

In this project, supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, a fundamental study of the mechanisms of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) will be conducted. Although MALDI is one of the more widely used methods for preparing large biological molecules in the gas phase for subsequent characterization by mass spectrometry (MS), this process remains poorly understood. Together with this fundamental study, efforts to optimize MALDI preparation of DNA for MS analysis will be conducted in order to increase the production of these large molecules in the gas phase. Additionally, kinetic studies of large biological molecule ion fragmentation patterns will be pursued so that reactions of DNA and proteins with small organic and inorganic substrates can be better understood at the molecular level. The primary goal of this research is the elucidation of the mechanisms of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization which is a broadly used but poorly understood process for preparing gas phase samples of large biological molecules for mass spectral characterization. Optimization of these ion-forming processes is also an aim of the project. Achievement of the goals of this research will advance significantly the application of MALDI/MS in the study of complex reactions involving large biological molecules.