"Development, Characterization, and Application of Bio-analytical Methodologies Based on Optical and Mass Spectrometry"

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Mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the most powerful techniques for chemical and biochemical analysis, particularly when combined with a separation method such as liquid chromatography (LC). We are investigating atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), an ionization method for interfacing LC and MS. Our research aims to both characterize and improve the performance of APPI, including developing novel APPI devices. An additional objective of our research is to develop a practical new means of implementing electron capture dissociation (ECD) of peptides and proteins, suitable for use with all electrospray mass spectrometers. This work will build upon our recent invention of an in-source atmospheric pressure ECD method, based upon APPI technology. Another aim is to develop and demonstrate complete methods for using AP-ECD in applications. This work is important because it will provide researchers worldwide cost-effective access to ECD technology, a powerful tool for peptide and protein analysis in biological and biomedical research. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is based on the analysis of inelastically scattered light and it is widely used to provide molecule-specific information about a sample. RS is very useful because it can provide detailed information about the chemical composition and structure of an analyte, as well as the chemical and physical environment in which the analyte is imbedded. We are using RS for the study of biochemical systems. For example, in collaboration with scientists at the Canadian Blood Service, we will use RS to investigate and assess red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion. The goals of this research are to characterize RBC ageing in stored human blood; to identify specific spectral markers for RBC storage lesion and correlate these markers with conventional biochemical assays; and finally to develop a site-useable RS-based system for non-destructively and non-invasively assessing the status/condition of RBCs within conventional storage bags.