Rapid profiling of whole samples by mass spectrometry

这项研究的目的是开发新的质谱学技术，通过探索新的样品引入方法来快速分析整个样品。特别是，我们正在开发1)热辅助原位衍生化与气相色谱/质谱联用，2)薄层层析与质谱联用，以及3)基质辅助激光解吸飞行时间小分子质谱仪的创新方法。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图谱)，用于识别有用的生物标记物，用于化学分类学，以及用于霉菌和细菌的环境空气监测。结果将增强质谱学的分析能力，以更快地描述和筛选整个样品的化学成分，并补充现有的质谱学和色谱学技术。这些方法将缩短分析时间并减少危险提取溶剂的使用(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).