Vacuum Ionization Mass Spectrometry

韦恩州立大学的Sarah Trimpin教授得到化学系化学测量和成像（CMI）项目的支持，探索最近发现的用于质谱的离子产生方法，真空中的基质辅助电离。 质谱分析要求样品分子挥发并带电（电离），以便根据它们在仪器磁场和/或电场中的行为方式对其进行识别。 虽然传统的样品电离方法需要电子束、激光或其他高能过程，但Trimpin实验室将开发一些方法，其中化学样品可以通过暴露在真空条件下而挥发和电离。我们越了解离子产生过程的工作原理，就越能更好地利用它们进行生物分子分析，这是当代质谱法的主要应用。在进行这项研究的过程中，研究生和本科生以及博士后研究人员将获得质谱仪器及其在生化分析中的应用方面的宝贵技能。外展计划包括通过韦恩州立大学的倡议积极招募妇女、代表性不足的少数民族成员和本科生，以加强学术课程的多样性。拟议研究的目标分为三个具体目标：（1）确定真空中基质辅助电离（MAIV）的机理以及当含有分析物的基质暴露于自发产生分析物离子的条件时发生的物理过程，其通过使用光学方法、原子力显微镜、微量天平和高速摄影来研究离子形成的基本原理;（2）对MAIV基质在压力、温度和溶剂条件下的作用有一个预测性的了解。探索MAIV在生物质谱、质谱成像和便携式质谱仪中的潜在分析应用。

Professor Sarah Trimpin of Wayne State University is supported by the Chemical Measurement and Imaging (CMI) Program in the Division of Chemistry to explore the recently discovered ion generation method for mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted ionization in vacuum. Mass spectrometric analysis requires the sample molecules to be volatilized and electrically charged (ionized) so that they can be identified according to the way they behave in the magnetic and/or electric field of the instrument. While traditional methods of sample ionization require electron beams, lasers, or other energetic processes, the Trimpin laboratory will develop methods wherein chemical samples can be volatilized and ionized simply by exposure to vacuum conditions. The better we understand how the ion generation processes work the better we can exploit them for biomolecular analysis, the major application of contemporary mass spectrometry. During the course of conducting this research, graduate and undergraduate students and postdoctoral researchers will gain valuable skills in mass spectrometry instrumentation and its applications in biochemical analysis. The outreach plans include participation in active recruitment of women, members of underrepresented minorities and undergraduates through Wayne State University initiatives to enhance diversity in academic programs.The objectives of the proposed research are organized in three specific aims: (1) to determine the mechanism of matrix-assisted ionization in vacuum (MAIV) and the physical processes that occur when matrices with analytes are exposed to conditions that spontaneously produce analyte ions by studying the fundamentals of ion formation with optical methods, atomic force microscopy, microbalance, and high speed photography; (2) to obtain a predictive understanding of how MAIV matrices function in relation to pressure, temperature and solvent conditions.; and (3) to explore the potential analytical applications of MAIV in biological mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry imaging, and in portable mass spectrometers.