MRI: Acquisition of a High Resolution GC-MS-MS with Fully Automated Sample Preparation to Advance Chemical Synthesis, Metabolomics, and Geochemical Research at IU Bloomington

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This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation (CRIF) programs. Professor Jonathan Karty from Indiana University and colleagues Simon Brassell, Silas Cook, James McKinlay and Jason Tennessen are acquiring a high resolution gas-chromatograph tandem mass spectrometer with tandem capabilities (HRes GC-MS-MS.) In general, mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical methods used to identify and characterize small quantities of chemical species in complex matrices. In a typical experiment, the components go into a mass spectrometer where they are ionized and the ion masses are measured. This highly sensitive technique allows detection and determination of the structure of molecules in a complex mixture. An instrument with a gas chromatograph provides additional structural identification power by separating gaseous mixtures of compounds before they reach the mass spectrometer. The tandem capabilities allow for additional separation in a second stage. This acquisition strengthens the research infrastructure at the University. The instrument broadens participation by involving diverse students in research and training using this modern analytical technique. It also provides training opportunities to many undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students from chemical, biological, geological and medicinal sciences as well as high school students through a variety of programs such as the Indiana University Summer Scholars Institute for students at minority serving institutions as well as the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation.This mass spectrometer enhances research and education at all levels. It enables research that elucidates of the role of climate on human evolution by measuring paleoclimate markers from Olduvai Gorge and explores the metabolic basis for cell proliferation and growth in Drosophila. The instrumentation aids in carrying out 13-carbon experiments to quantify metabolic pathway utilization in microbes as well as in distinguishing intermediates generated during organic syntheses of natural products. The mass spectrometer is also used in profiling and characterizing pheromones and sustainable carbon-carbon bond forming catalysts.