Mass Spectrometry

Mass Spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique used to identify unknown compounds, to quantify known materials and to elucidate structural and chemical properties of molecules.   The unique combination of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, and the rapidity of the analyses make mass spectrometry a singularly valuable tool  in biomedical research.( ASMS: The American Society for Mass Spectrometry - What is Mass Spectrometry? )

The Mass Spectrometry Laboratory is a core facility that provides both consultation and analytical services to investigators. Its principal function is to support biomedical research. The principal instrument is a VG 70-250SEQ hybrid-tandem mass spectrometer, equipped with a HP 5890 gas chromatograph. Practical mass range for sensitive analyses (for sub-microgram, and often sub-nanogram sample amounts) is 2-3000 amu. Electron, chemical, and fast atom bombardment ionization is used for ion generation. Both positive and negative ion spectra can be recorded by the VG250J data system. A Waters 600 MS liquid chromatograph complement the mass-analytical capability. Interested researchers may obtain training and instrument time to support their research project.

Mass Spectrometry Services

• Low resolution mass spectrometry (LR MS, mass resolution ~1,000): spectra furnished from user supplied samples by electron ionization (EI), positive or negative chemical ionization (+/- CI), and positive or negative fast atom bombardment ionization (+/- FAB).
• High resolution mass spectrometry (HR MS) for accurate mass determination of molecular ions (MW or related ions) and/or structurally relevant fragment ions observed in LR spectra.  Used for elemental composition determination, structure confirmation or structure elucidation with a mass resolution between 3,000-10,000 as needed, in any of the available ionization modes (+EI, +/-CI, +/-FAB).
• Mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for selected ions in LR spectra for structure confirmation/elucidation, in any of the available ionization modes, both at low or high resolution for the precursor (parent) ions.
• Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, from user supplied samples.  During the chromatographic run, LR or HR conventional EI or CI spectra (MS) or tandem mass spectra (MS/MS) will be collected, either in full spectrum or selected ion recording mode.

• Sample preparation for GC/MS that may include extraction, cleanup and derivatization steps and preparation of spiked samples for calibration/quantification.
• LC separation for MS or MS/MS analyses.
• Sample preparation for quantitative LC/UV or LC/FD (fluorescence detection), including isolation and derivatization steps.

Mass Spectrometry Links

• Michigan State University NIH Mass Spectrometry Facility
• Mass Spectrometry Resources This website contains a collection of links to mass spectrometry internet sites including user and discussion groups, mass spectrometry companies, resources and software.
• Georgia Institute of Technology The Mass Spectrometry lab of the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry maintains the Usenet newsgroup's "sci.techniques.mass-spec" Web page.
• The Rockefeller University Contains a set of pages pertaining to protein structure research.
• MIT Division of BioEngineering and Environmental Health Mass Spectrometry Laboratory
• Washington University Mass Spectrometry Resource This site includes an introduction to mass spectrometric methods.
• Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry Zurich, Switzerland: Includes searches for research groups and analytical methods.

User Fees

MS and MS Related Analytical Fees:
College of Medicine Faculty:  $6.25/hour
Non-College of Medicine: $33.13/hour