Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Critical Addition of a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometer for the University of Waterloo Mass Spectrometry Facility

Critical requirements for the successful mass spectrometric analysis of high molar mass (bio)materials/(bio)polymers are a high sensitivity and the ability to measure the molar mass accurately to &gt; 100 kDa. The University of Waterloo Mass Spectrometry Facility (UWMSF) has state-of-the-art systems for the analysis of small molecules by electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, direct analysis in real time, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. However these capabilities cannot address demands to characterize nonvolatile and high molar mass materials resulting in many research programs being severely curtailed. We have investigated the usefulness of electrospray ionization (ESI) for these systems with very limited or no success. This critical deficiency can be addressed with the acquisition of a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) instrument. No such equipment exists at the UW at present.<br /> <br /> Polymers positively impact the world around us, such as in the development of new bio/nano/materials for advanced electronics, computers, diagnostic devices, as well as new drugs and their delivery. The UWMSF cannot address any of the analytical needs for materials/polymer characterization described in this proposal as well as other research at UW. It is the primary goal of this application to satisfy this critical shortfall through the acquisition of a MALDI-TOF.<br /> <br /> In the past, the UWMSF used an ESI Waters QTOF mass spectrometer for biopolymer characterization. This instrument was limited in terms of sensitivity (picomole) and mass range (&lt; 100 kDa) but was decommissioned in April 2014 after 13 years of stellar service. As a consequence, many research programs have been severely negatively impacted by this loss, so its replacement has become an emergency situation which the acquisition of MALDI-TOF would solve. MALDI-TOF would not only replace this capability but also extend the mass range of biopolymers that can be characterized with much improved sensitivity critical when low abundance (femto to attomole) proteins of biological relevance need to be characterized.<br /> <br /> This proposal describes the wide range of research activities by major users that a MADI-TOF instrument would support. Many other faculty members have expressed interest in accessing this new capability, but are not included in this proposal. It is estimated that over 150 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research scientists, and faculty would be trained to use this new MALDI-TOF system.<br /> <br />