Acquisition of Mass Spectrometers at East Carolina University Grant uri icon

abstract

  • The Chemistry, Physics and Biology Departments of East Carolina University have a significant hole in their analytical facilities, namely the lack of any capability to perform mass spectrometry. The inability to perform mass spectrometry on site has resulted in significant delays in analysis and assignment of structures, and quickly becomes cost prohibitive if needed on a routine basis. The outcome has been that some experiments simply cannot be performed and has significantly delayed progress in other projects. With the expansion of the number of research active faculty in these departments, the lack of a capability to perform mass spectrometry is resulting in a loss of productivity and stymies creativity. In addition, with further hiring planned, the lack of these capabilities may result in the departments being less competitive for the best candidates. In order to address this deficiency, we are seeking funding from the National Science Foundation to purchase two bench- top mass spectrometers from JEOL and Waters. With this request we will accomplish the following goals: Increase Research Productivity and Creativity: An LC mass spectrometer (Waters QT of) will be used to analyze compounds requiring electro spray and chemical ionization methods. This capability will allow our researchers to examine host-guest interactions, the end-groups of fluorinated polymers, and characterize peptides and small proteins. A GC MS (JEOL GCMate) will be utilized in analysis of small molecules and fullerenes that require electron impact ionization methods and/or are too insoluble or nonvolatile for the use of GC or HPLC methods of sample introduction, requiring a solids insertion probe. Our synthetically oriented groups will use this instrument to determine exact masses and characterize novel compounds. Without mass spectra, many of the above referenced projects will be slowed or cannot be pursued at all. Broader ImQacts: Besides the impact these instruments will have on the research productivity of the department, we plan to train multiple users, including undergraduate and graduate students, in the use of this equipment. This will greatly improve the understanding and skill set of our students, which will serve them well in pursuing a Pill or a position in industry. The ability to train multiple users is a significant contributor to our decision to seek bench-top instruments designed for this type of use. The acquisition of these spectrometers will enable us to broaden the creativity of our research plans, increase productivity, and train our students in an area that we currently cannot. In addition, these instruments have broad-based capabilities that should enable us to fulfill the needs of future hires, as well as allowing us to pursue new avenues of research.

date/time interval

  • September 2005 - August 2008