SGER: Scanning Mass Spectrometry (SMS) Probe for Biochemical Imaging on the Nanoscale

这个“探索性研究的小额赠款”支持Andrei Fedorov教授开发和演示纳米级化学成像设备，扫描质谱仪（SMS）探针，基于电喷雾电离的新方法（反向泰勒锥电喷雾）。 如果成功的话，该设备可以扩展成像质谱的范围，首次允许在生理条件下对生物分子进行体外瞬态成像质谱。 它对生物学和健康相关研究活动的价值可能特别重要，因为活细胞和组织的生化成像可以用来回答细胞生物学的其他棘手问题，并可以导致新的诊断能力。该研究对基础科学的进步和新技术的发展都很重要。 它将提供一个更好的理解纳米电喷雾电离从反向泰勒锥的传输现象。 由于广泛的可预见的用途，从法医到制造到生化成像，探针应该很快得到广泛的应用。 参与这项工作的学生和博士后将接触到一个广泛的跨学科计划，这将使他们准备在一系列重要的基础和应用研究领域做出贡献。

This "Small Grant for Exploratory Research" supports Prof. Andrei Fedorov for development and demonstration of a nanoscale chemical imaging device, the scanning mass spectrometer (SMS) probe, based on a novel approach to electrospray ionization (reverse-Taylor-cone electrospray). If successful, the device may extend the reach of imaging mass spectrometry, allowing, for the first time, in vitro transient imaging mass spectrometry of biomolecules under physiological conditions. Its value to biological and health related research activities is potentially especially significant, as biochemical imaging of live cells and tissues can be used to answer otherwise intractable questions of cell biology, and can lead to new diagnostic capabilities.The research is important for advancement of both basic science and for new technology development. It will provide an improved understanding of transport phenomena for nanoelectrospray ionization from reverse Taylor cones. Due to the wide range of foreseeable uses, from forensics to manufacturing to biochemical imaging, the probe should rapidly find widespread utilization. Students and postdocs involved in the effort will be exposed to a broad, interdisciplinary program which will prepare them to contribute across a spectrum of important fundamental and applied research areas.