MRI: Acquisition of an Open Access Shared-Use MALDI-TOF/TOF Mass Spectrometer

该奖项由主要研究仪器和化学研究仪器项目支持。科罗拉多州立大学正在获得一个矩阵辅助激光解吸/电离串联飞行时间（MALDI-TOF-TOF）质谱仪，以支持Travis Bailey教授和他的同事Claudia Boot、Karolien Denef和Garrett Miyake。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。MALDI TOF结合了温和的电离（非常适合产生肽，蛋白质，核酸，碳水化合物，合成聚合物和其他类似大小的物种的完整离子）与检测模式，在广泛的质量范围内提供了灵敏度和准确性之间的良好平衡。这种高度敏感的技术可以识别和确定复杂混合物中的分子结构。在质谱法的飞行时间（TOF）方法中，离子的质荷比是通过已知强度的电场加速离子的方式来确定的。离子的速度取决于质荷比（相同电荷的较重离子速度较低）。测量离子到达已知距离的探测器所需的时间。这个时间取决于离子的速度，因此是它的质量电荷比的量度。从这个比值和已知的实验参数，可以表征离子。串联能力（TOF-TOF）增加了表征能力。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使用这种现代分析技术来扩大参与。它也被各个校园和其他地区机构的合作者使用。MALDI-TOF-TOF也适用于本科生和研究生。它也用于博士后仪器学家培训计划和仪器方法的年度学校。授予MALDI-TOF-TOF质谱仪的目的是加强各级的研究和教育。这对于开发生物成像工具和识别合成生物组织的研究尤其有用。该仪器还用于控制药物递送剂和纳米载体以及研究热反射涂层。该仪器为研究人员准备无金属催化剂和高价值的自我可持续聚合物，以及那些使用诊断和药物来潜在地对抗传染病的研究人员提供服务。质谱仪还用于制备高效碳捕获膜和研究血液兼容表面和聚合物伤口愈合支架。此外，它还用于表征制备的先进水凝胶网络和研究储能材料。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值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 Chemistry Research Instrumentation programs. Colorado State University is acquiring a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF-TOF) mass spectrometer to support Professor Travis Bailey and colleagues Claudia Boot, Karolien Denef and Garrett Miyake. 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. MALDI TOF combines gentle ionization (ideal for producing intact ions of peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, synthetic polymers, and other similarly sized species) with a detection mode that offers an excellent balance between sensitivity and accuracy across a wide mass range. This highly sensitive technique allows identification and determination of the structure of molecules in a complex mixture. In the time-of-flight (TOF) method of mass spectrometry, the mass-to-charge ratio of an ion is determined by the way in which ions are accelerated by an electric field of known strength. The velocity of the ion depends on the mass-to-charge ratio (heavier ions of the same charge reach lower speeds). The time that the ions take to reach a detector at a known distance is measured. This time depends on the velocity of the ion, and therefore is a measure of its mass-to-charge ratio. From this ratio and known experimental parameters, the ion can be characterized. The tandem capabilities (TOF-TOF) increase the characterization capabilities. The acquisition strengthens the research infrastructure at the university and regional area. The instrument broadens participation by involving diverse students with this modern analytical technique. It is also used by collaborators at the various campuses and other regional institutions. The MALDI-TOF-TOF is also employed by undergraduate and graduate students. It is also used in a postdoc instrumentalist training program and annual schools on instrumental methods.The award of the MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometer is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels. It is especially useful for studies in the development of biological imaging tools and identifying synthesized biological tissues. The instrumentation is also used for controling pharmaceutical delivery agents and nanocarriers and studying heat-reflective coatings. The instrument serves researchers preparing metal-free catalysts and high-value self-sustainable polymers and those using diagnostics and drugs to potentially fight infectious disease. The mass spectrometer is also utilized in the preparation of efficient carbon capture membranes and for the study of blood compatible surfaces and polymeric wound healing scaffolds. Additionally, it is employed in characterizing prepared advanced hydrogel networks and for studying energy storage materials.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.