Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging for advanced chemical and materials analysis

质谱法是分子结构测定的重要工具，它支撑着工程、物理科学和生命科学的突破。在基质辅助激光解吸-电离（MALDI）质谱法中，样品以固体的形式进行分析，表面化学成像可能成为质谱成像领域不断发展的一部分。使用质谱的化学成像填补了材料表征工具箱的关键空白，补充了物理成像工具，如电子显微镜。揭开材料和设备表面的化学性质对于理解它们与环境的相互作用和提高它们的性能至关重要。该设施将提供化学结构的精细细节，以及空间分布的微米精度。该设备将支持工程与物理科学和生命科学的研究活动，包括工业相关项目和蓝天研究。战略重点将放在工业生物技术和先进材料上，在这些领域，迫切需要分析工具来表征大分子和复杂系统，以支持发展中的生物经济和新型医疗保健技术。例子包括加强新的生物制药或可生物降解聚合物的生产，以及用于医疗诊断的可穿戴技术。我们的目标是建立一个多用户的分析设施，提供质谱化学分析和成像。这将通过行之有效的机制和支持基础设施进行管理，通过合作研究和主要的国家学术-工业网络，最大限度地发挥机构、区域和国家的影响。

Mass spectrometry is an essential tool for molecular structural determination which underpins breakthroughs in Engineering, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences. In Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry, samples are analysed in the form of a solid, and surface chemical imaging is possible as part of a growing field in mass spectrometry imaging. Chemical imaging using mass spectrometry fill a critical gap in the materials characterisation toolbox, complementing physical imaging tools e.g. electron microscopy. Unravelling the chemistry of the surface of materials and devices is critical in understanding their interaction with their environment and improving their performance. The facility will provide exquisite detail on chemical structures, together with micrometre precision in spatial distribution. The equipment will support research activities in Engineering & Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, encompassing both industrially relevant projects and blue-sky research. A strategic focus will be on Industrial Biotechnology and Advanced Materials, where analytical tools to characterise large molecules and complex systems are urgently needed in supporting the developing bioeconomy and novel healthcare technologies. Examples include enhanced production of new biopharmaceuticals or biodegradable polymers and wearable technology for medical diagnostics.Our aim is to establish a multi-user analytical facility providing mass spectrometric chemical analysis and imaging. This will be managed, through proven mechanisms and support infrastructure, to maximise institutional, regional and national impact through collaborative research and major national academic-industrial networks.