MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is a technique that allows for the desorption and ionization of molecules of medium to high molecular weight with little fragmentation. Furthermore, mass spectrometric detection is often achieved without the need for work-up, using samples that come directly from reaction media or biological sources. MALDI MS is complementary to ESI mass spectrometry, which yields primary spectra in a small mass range and is less well suited for complex mixtures and samples from crude reaction mixtures or assays. We have significant experience with MALDI-TOF MS. Our first publication on quantitative MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry of oligonucleotides dates back to 1996, and a series of new assays for bioorganic chemistry studies has been developed in the meantime. Furthermore, MALDI MS is employed as analytical method in several institutes of our department, including polymer chemistry. Continuing the underlying research projects requires the acquisition of a new spectrometer, as the supply of spare parts for the existing instrument has been terminated by the manufacturer. This is why funding for the purchase of a new instrument is being applied for, in order to continue the current biomolecular research and to start new projects. The application requests funding for the purchase of a benchtop MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer with pulsed ion extraction, using a nitrogen laser (337 nm wavelength), detectors in linear and reflectron geometry, a fast digitizer, and an analysis station, including software. The mass spectrometer is important for two CRC's, in which the applicants are members, as well as several other DFG-funded research projects.