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。Voorhees学院的Jianye Zhang教授及其同事Omar Bagasra（克拉夫林大学）和Yaoling Long（南卡罗来纳州州立大学）正在购买一台离子色谱质谱仪，为三所历史上的黑人学院和大学（HBCU）服务。一般来说，质谱（MS）是用于识别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，成分流入质谱仪，在那里它们被电离并测量它们的质量。这种高灵敏度的技术可以检测和确定复杂混合物中分子的结构。此次收购加强了大学和地区的研究基础设施。该仪器通过让不同的学生群体参与使用这一现代分析技术的研究和培训，扩大了参与。因为调查小组包括来自三个HBCU的研究人员：Voorhees、克拉夫林和南卡罗来纳州州立大学，所以对本科生研究人员有积极的影响。 这些机构的人口超过95%是非洲裔美国人，超过60%是女性。通过使用流行的通信/社交媒体工具，以及在期刊和会议上的出版物，该项目的影响覆盖了更广泛的受众和社区。它影响了硫化环境中砷形态的研究调查和反应产物的评价。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用于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.