MRI/RUI: Acquisition of a MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer for Research and Education in Chemistry and Biochemistry

在重大研究仪器(MRI)计划的支持下，圣克劳德州立大学化学系将获得一台基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间(MALDI-TOF)质谱仪。该仪器将用于广泛的研究，包括a)确定肿瘤细胞可能独有的细胞抑制/细胞毒剂敏感性的分子决定因素；b)鉴定使细胞对细胞毒剂具有不同敏感性的人醛脱氢酶基因多态；c)表征电活性聚合物；以及d)研究用作荧光溶胶-凝胶玻璃掺杂剂来源的前体分子。此外，MALDI MS将成为新的生物物理化学实验室课程的主要组成部分。基质辅助激光解吸电离(MALDI)飞行时间(TOF)质谱仪是获得高达30万道尔顿及以上分子的准确分子质量的首选技术，具有极高的灵敏度。因此，MALDI-TOF质谱仪的使用已成为大多数DNA/蛋白质核心设备的标准技术。获得非常精确的生物分子相对分子质量的能力是所有生物和生物医学研究的基础，在现代研究和培训环境中也是必不可少的。这些研究将在生物物理和材料化学领域产生影响。

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at St. Cloud State University will acquire a Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionization - Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometer. This instrument will be used in a wide variety of studies, including a) the identification of molecular determinants of cellular sensitivity to cytostatic/cytotoxic agents that may be unique to tumor cells; b) the identification of genetic polymorphisms in human aldehyde dehydrogenases that will render differential cellular sensititivy to cytotoxic agents; c) characterization of electroactive polymers; and d) the study of precursor molecules used as dopant sources for fluorescent sol-gel glasses. In addition, MALDI MS will be a major component in a new laboratory curriculum for biophysical chemistry.Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry is the technique of choice for obtaining accurate molecular weights on molecules up to and over 300,000 daltons, with extremely high sensitivity. Use of a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer has therefore become a standard technique in most DNA/protein core facilities. The ability to obtain very accurate molecular weights of biological molecules is fundamental to all biological and biomedical research and essential in a modern research and training environment. These studies will have an impact in the areas of biophysical and materials chemistry.