Rapid profiling of whole samples by mass spectrometry

本研究的目的是通过探索新的样品导入方法，开发新的质谱技术，用于快速分析整个样品。特别是，我们正在开发创新的方法，1)热辅助原位衍生耦合气相色谱/质谱法，2)薄层色谱连接质谱法，3)基质辅助小分子激光飞行时间脱附质谱法。这些方法将被开发用于新兴的代谢组学领域（即，样品中所有代谢物的化学分析），用于化学分类鉴定有用的生物标志物以及霉菌和细菌的环境空气监测。研究结果将提高质谱分析的能力，以更快速地描绘和筛选整个样品的化学成分，并补充现有的质谱和色谱技术。这些方法将缩短分析时间，减少有害萃取溶剂的使用（绿色化学）。

The objective of this research is to develop new mass spectrometric techniques for the rapid profiling of whole samples by exploring novel approaches to sample introduction. In particular, we are developing innovative methodologies in 1) thermally assisted in-situ derivatization coupled to gas chromotography/mass spectrometry, 2) thin layer chromatography interfaced to mass spectrometry  and 3) matrix-assisted laser desorption time of flight mass spectrometry for small molecules. These methods will be developed for applications in the emerging field of metabolomics (i.e., chemical profiling of all metabolites in a sample), for identifying useful biomarkers for chemotaxonomy and for environmental air monitoring of mold and bacteria. Results will enhance the analytical capability of mass spectrometry to more rapidly profile and screen the chemical composition of whole samples and complement existing mass spectrometric and chromatographic techniques. These methods will shorten analysis time and reduce the use of hazardous extraction solvents (green chemistry).