MRI: Acquisition of a High-Performance Mass Spectrometer for Atmospheric Ecometabolomics Research

该奖项由重大研究仪器和化学仪器项目支持。加州大学欧文分校的James Smith教授及其同事Barbara Finlayson-Pitts、Alex Guenther、Sergey Nizkorodv和Celia Faiola正在获得一台与Orbitrap质谱仪相结合的高性能四极质谱计，并配备了超高压液相色谱仪和串联功能。通常，质谱仪是用于识别和表征复杂样品中的少量化学物种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，在那里它们被电离成离子，并测量离子的质量。这种高度灵敏的技术使研究复杂混合物中的分子结构成为可能。带有液体色谱仪的仪器可以在混合物到达质谱计之前将其分离。这种质谱计可以精确地解析离子，从而可以确定分子式，并使用串联质谱学功能提供必要的分子信息。此次收购加强了该大学和该地区的研究基础设施。该仪器通过让不同的学生群体参与研究和使用这种现代分析技术进行研究培训，扩大了参与度。该仪器为化学家、地球系统科学家和生态学家在研究土壤-植物-大气连续体及其对全球变化的响应方面提供了合作的机会。该奖项旨在加强各级的研究和教育。它尤其影响了对大气现象的研究。质谱仪用于研究生态系统的功能，包括特定的过程，如周期性和季节性的自然现象，如物候、演替和对生物和非生物胁迫的反应，以及生态对环境变化反应的综合动力学。该仪器还帮助研究人员探索新陈代谢组学方法，以了解氢氧物种、臭氧和氮氧化物自由基氧化生物挥发性排放所产生的大气颗粒物的形成和生长。该仪器还用于对生物质燃烧形成的气溶胶颗粒进行化学分析，以更好地了解控制其形成和大气影响的过程。来自该仪器的数据提供了关于健康影响与分子组成之间的关系的信息，特别是有机成分或周围气溶胶颗粒的分子组成。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemical Instrumentation Programs. Professor James Smith from the University of California Irvine and colleagues Barbara Finlayson-Pitts, Alex Guenther, Sergey Nizkorodov and Celia Faiola are acquiring a high-performance quadrupole mass spectrometer combined with an Orbitrap mass analyzer and equipped with an ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatograph and tandem capabilities. In general, mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical methods used to identify and characterize small quantities of chemical species embedded in complex samples. In a typical experiment, the components flow into a mass spectrometer where they are ionized into ions and the ions' masses are measured. This highly sensitive technique allows the structure of molecules in complex mixtures to be studied. An instrument with a liquid chromatograph can separate mixtures of compounds before they reach the mass spectrometer. This mass spectrometer can resolve ions with a precision that allows determination of molecular formulas and provide essential molecular information using tandem mass spectrometric capabilities. The acquisition strengthens the research infrastructure at the University and regional area. The instrument broadens participation by involving diverse groups of students in research and research training using this modern analytical technique. This instrument provides opportunities for collaboration between chemists, earth system scientists, and ecologists in studies of the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum and its response to global modifications.The award is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels. It especially impacts studies of atmospheric phenomena. The mass spectrometer is used to investigate ecosystem functioning, including specific processes such as cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena known as phenology, succession, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as the integrated dynamics of ecological response to environmental changes. The instrument also aids researchers exploring a metabolomics approach to understanding the formation and growth of atmospheric particles from the oxidation of biogenic volatile emissions by hydoxo species, ozone, and nitrogen oxide radicals. This instrument is also employed to perform chemical analysis of aerosol particles formed from biomass burning to better understand the processes controlling its formation and atmospheric impacts. Data from this instrument provides information on the relationship between health impacts and the molecular composition, particularly of the organic component, or ambient aerosol particles.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.