Two-Dimensional Nano Liquid Chromatograph with Nanospray Source for ThermoFisher Q Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer

生化分析能力对于理解生物系统中的分子事件是必不可少的。被测量的分析物也可以作为生物标志物或生理适应指标，以适应生长和衰老等事件，但也可以作为运动和营养方面的挑战。质谱学技术对于这些复杂的生化分析是至关重要的，这些生化分析对于基因组类型的活动是必要的，包括蛋白质表征以及检测代谢物和脂类的研究。Ken Stark博士目前在运动学系拥有质谱学设备，但仪器陈旧且受到限制。具体地说，该系统不能进行鉴定本地生物化合物结构所需的产物片段分析。滑铁卢大学化学系的质谱学设施(UWMSF)目前有一台能够串联质谱分析的Q Exactive(四极轨道捕获)，但需要一台纳米级液体色谱仪(NanoLC)来提高灵敏度。将纳米LC添加到前端将允许以极低的流速(约200-500nL/分钟，而不是目前的200微米/分钟L/分钟)将样品引入Q Exactive，从而实现测量复杂的脂肪、蛋白质和营养代谢物样品所需的分离和鉴定。滑铁卢大学校园目前还没有这些分析。这种设备对几个研究项目至关重要，但也是对本科生和研究生进行适当培训所必需的。

Biochemical analytical capabilities are essential for understanding molecular events in biological systems. Measured analytes can also serve as biomarkers or indicators of physiological adaptations to events such as growth and aging, but also challenges in regard to exercise and nutrition. Mass spectrometry techniques are critical for these complex biochemical analyses that are necessary for omic-type activities including protein characterization, and studies examining metabolites and lipids. Dr. Ken Stark currently has mass spectrometry equipment in the Department of Kinesiology, but the instrument is old and limited. Specificially, the system cannot perform product-fragment analysis necessary to identify the structure of native biological compounds. The University of Waterloo Mass Spectrometry Facility (UWMSF) in the Department of Chemistry presently has a Q Exactive (quadrupole-orbitrap) capable of tandem mass spectrometry, but requires a nanoscale liquid chromatograph (NanoLC) to increase the sensitivity. Adding the nanoLC to the front-end will allow samples to be introduced into the Q Exactive at an extremely low flow rate (~200-500nL/min compared to current 200µL/min) that will allow for separation and identification required to measure complicated lipid, protein and nutrient metabolite samples. These analyses are presently not available on the University of Waterloo campus. This equipment is critical for several research programs, but also necessary to enable proper training of undergraduates and graduate students.