MRI: Acquisition of a High-Performance Mass Spectrometer for Atmospheric Ecometabolomics Research

该奖项由主要研究仪器和化学仪器计划支持。来自加州尔湾大学的James Smith教授及其同事Barbara Finlayson-Pitts、Alex Guenther、Sergey Nizkorodov和Celia Faiola正在购买一台高性能四极杆质谱仪，该质谱仪结合了Orbitrap质量分析仪，并配备了超高压液相色谱仪和串联功能。一般来说，质谱（MS）是用于识别和表征复杂样品中嵌入的少量化学物质的关键分析方法之一。在一个典型的实验中，成分流入质谱仪，在那里它们被电离成离子，并测量离子的质量。这种高灵敏度的技术可以研究复杂混合物中的分子结构。带有液相色谱仪的仪器可以在化合物到达质谱仪之前将其分离。该质谱仪可以以允许确定分子式的精度解析离子，并使用串联质谱能力提供基本的分子信息。此次收购加强了大学和地区的研究基础设施。该工具通过利用这一现代分析技术使不同群体的学生参与研究和研究培训，扩大了参与。该奖项旨在促进化学家、地球系统科学家和生态学家在土壤-植物-大气连续体及其对全球变化的响应研究方面的合作。它特别影响大气现象的研究。 质谱仪用于研究生态系统的功能，包括特定的过程，如周期性和季节性的自然现象，如物候，演替，对生物和非生物胁迫的反应，以及对环境变化的生态反应的综合动力学。该仪器还有助于研究人员探索代谢组学方法，以了解由hydoxo物种，臭氧和氮氧化物自由基氧化生物挥发性排放物形成和增长的大气颗粒物。该仪器还用于对生物质燃烧形成的气溶胶颗粒进行化学分析，以更好地了解控制其形成和大气影响的过程。该仪器的数据提供了关于健康影响与分子组成之间关系的信息，特别是有机成分或环境气溶胶颗粒。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并被认为值得通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估来支持。

This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemical Instrumentation Programs. Professor James Smith from the University of California Irvine and colleagues Barbara Finlayson-Pitts, Alex Guenther, Sergey Nizkorodov and Celia Faiola are acquiring a high-performance quadrupole mass spectrometer combined with an Orbitrap mass analyzer and equipped with an ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatograph and tandem capabilities. In general, mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical methods used to identify and characterize small quantities of chemical species embedded in complex samples. In a typical experiment, the components flow into a mass spectrometer where they are ionized into ions and the ions' masses are measured. This highly sensitive technique allows the structure of molecules in complex mixtures to be studied. An instrument with a liquid chromatograph can separate mixtures of compounds before they reach the mass spectrometer. This mass spectrometer can resolve ions with a precision that allows determination of molecular formulas and provide essential molecular information using tandem mass spectrometric capabilities. The acquisition strengthens the research infrastructure at the University and regional area. The instrument broadens participation by involving diverse groups of students in research and research training using this modern analytical technique. This instrument provides opportunities for collaboration between chemists, earth system scientists, and ecologists in studies of the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum and its response to global modifications.The award is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels. It especially impacts studies of atmospheric phenomena. The mass spectrometer is used to investigate ecosystem functioning, including specific processes such as cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena known as phenology, succession, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as the integrated dynamics of ecological response to environmental changes. The instrument also aids researchers exploring a metabolomics approach to understanding the formation and growth of atmospheric particles from the oxidation of biogenic volatile emissions by hydoxo species, ozone, and nitrogen oxide radicals. This instrument is also employed to perform chemical analysis of aerosol particles formed from biomass burning to better understand the processes controlling its formation and atmospheric impacts. Data from this instrument provides information on the relationship between health impacts and the molecular composition, particularly of the organic component, or ambient aerosol particles.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.