MRI: Acquisition of a MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer to Advance Research and Undergraduate Research Training

该奖项由主要研究仪器和化学研究仪器项目支持。高尔盖特大学正在获得一个矩阵辅助激光解吸/电离飞行时间（MALDI-TOF）质谱仪，以支持George Geier教授和他的同事Ernest Nolen， Jacob Goldberg和Jennifer Peeler。一般来说，质谱（MS）是用于鉴定和表征复杂样品中少量化学物质的关键分析方法之一。MALDI TOF结合了温和的电离（非常适合产生肽，蛋白质，核酸，碳水化合物，合成聚合物和其他类似大小的物种的完整离子）与检测模式，在广泛的质量范围内提供了灵敏度和准确性之间的良好平衡。这种高度敏感的技术可以识别和确定复杂混合物中的分子结构。此次收购加强了大学和地区的研究基础设施。该仪器通过让不同的学生使用这种现代分析技术来扩大参与。它也被汉密尔顿学院的合作者使用。授予MALDI-TOF质谱仪的目的是加强各级的研究和教育。它特别适用于测定合成的糖肽模拟物及其合成中间体的质量，以及开发连接在短肽上的化学探针来检测神经系统中的锌（II）离子。该仪器还用于监测多肽合成反应的进展，以及识别通过合成企业产生的基于高效液相色谱（HPLC）的分离获得的产品。该仪器还为研究人员通过遗传密码扩增来评估人硒蛋白的表达，并进行硒蛋白酶活性的测定。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并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，被认为值得支持。

This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation programs. Colgate University is acquiring a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer to support Professor George Geier and colleagues Ernest Nolen, Jacob Goldberg and Jennifer Peeler. In general, mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical methods used to identify and characterize small quantities of chemical species in complex samples. MALDI TOF combines gentle ionization (ideal for producing intact ions of peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, synthetic polymers, and other similarly sized species) with a detection mode that offers an excellent balance between sensitivity and accuracy across a wide mass range. This highly sensitive technique allows identification and determination of the structure of molecules in a complex mixture. The acquisition strengthens the research infrastructure at the university and regional area. The instrument broadens participation by involving diverse students with this modern analytical technique. It is also used by collaborators at Hamilton College.The award of the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels. It is especially useful to determine masses of synthetic glycopeptide mimics and their synthetic intermediates and for the development of chemical probes tethered to short peptides to detect zinc(II) ions in the nervous system. The instrumentation is also used for monitoring the progress of peptide synthesis reactions, as well as for identifying products obtained via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based separations emanating from synthetic ventures. The instrument also serves researchers assessing expression of human selenoproteins via genetic code expansion, and carrying out assays of selenoprotein enzymatic activity.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.