Mass spectrometer for the radiation sciences

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The department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology is a multidisciplinary group which studies the mechanism of radiation induced DNA damage, the physical chemistry of low energy electrons and kinetically hot ions. Equally important, this group works on the development and application of novel imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our group needs a mass spectrometer to identify and quantify products in several types of studies including: DNA damage, condensed surface studies, and organic synthesis. For certain experiments, we must detect relatively small amounts of products generated by the photolysis of modified oligonucleotides or the bombardment of thin films of molecules on condensed surfaces. Presently, the products are detected by liquid chromatography with UV detection; however, this method does not give us important structural information. In addition to the above studies, our group does extensive organic synthesis particularly of modified oligopeptides for PET and MRI. To optimize the chemical reactions, we need to monitor the formation of intermediates, products and side-reactions by mass spectrometry. The purchase of a mass spectrometer is necessary to train highly qualified personnel and pursue our research programs in the radiation sciences.