MRI: Acquisition of an ion chromatograph mass spectrometer for research and education

该奖项由主要研究仪器（MRI）、化学研究仪器和刺激竞争性研究的实验计划（EPSCoR）计划支持。来自Voorhees学院的张建业教授和他的同事Omar Bagasra （Claflin大学）和Yaoling Long（南卡罗莱纳州立大学）正在为三所历史悠久的黑人学院和大学（HBCUs）提供离子色谱质谱仪。一般来说，质谱（MS）是用于鉴定和表征复杂样品中少量化学物质的关键分析方法之一。在一个典型的实验中，这些成分流入质谱仪，在那里它们被电离，并测量它们的质量。这种高度灵敏的技术可以检测和确定复杂混合物中的分子结构。此次收购加强了大学和地区的研究基础设施。该仪器通过使用这种现代分析技术，使不同群体的学生参与研究和培训，从而扩大了参与范围。由于研究团队包括来自三所HBCUs的研究人员：Voorhees， Claflin和南卡罗来纳州立大学，因此对本科生研究人员产生了积极影响。这些机构的员工中95%以上是非裔美国人，60%以上是女性。通过使用流行的沟通/社交媒体工具，以及在期刊和会议上发表，项目的影响达到了更广泛的受众和社区。这种质谱仪加强了各级的研究和教育。它影响了硫化环境中砷形态的研究和反应产物的评价。质谱仪还用于研究天然植物化学物质（苦杏仁苷）的干扰机制和抗代谢作用，这可能有助于了解癌症过程。该仪器还为研究人员设计和选择从环境中回收锂的多孔材料提供服务。

This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI), the Chemistry Research Instrumentation, and the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) programs. Professor Jianye Zhang from Voorhees College and colleagues Omar Bagasra (Claflin University) and Yaoling Long (South Carolina State University) are acquiring an ion-chromatograph mass-spectrometer that serves three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In general, mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical methods used to identify and characterize small quantities of chemical species in complex samples. In a typical experiment, the components flow into a mass spectrometer where they are ionized and their masses are measured. This highly sensitive technique allows the detection and determination of the structure of molecules in a complex mixture. The acquisition strengthens the research infrastructure at the university and regional area. The instrument broadens participation by involving a diverse group of students in research and training using this modern analytical technique. Because the investigator team includes researchers from three HBCUs: Voorhees, Claflin and South Carolina State University, there is a positive effect on undergraduate student researcher. These institutions have populations that are more than 95% African American and more than 60% female. By using the popular communication/social media tools, as well as the publication in journals and conferences, the impact of the project reaches broader audiences and communities.This mass spectrometer enhances research and education at all levels. It impacts research investigations of arsenic speciation in sulfidic environments and in evaluating the products of the reaction. The mass spectrometer is also used in studies of the interference mechanisms and antimetabolic effects of natural phytochemicals (Amygdalin) that might be useful to understand cancerous processes. The instrument also serves researchers designing and selecting porous materials for lithium recovery from the environment.