MRI: Acquisition of a Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometer to Enhance Research and Education

Information

  • NSF Award
  • 2018802
Owner
  • Award Id
    2018802
  • Award Effective Date
    8/1/2020 - 3 years ago
  • Award Expiration Date
    7/31/2023 - 10 months ago
  • Award Amount
    $ 315,000.00
  • Award Instrument
    Standard Grant

MRI: Acquisition of a Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometer to Enhance Research and Education

This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation programs. Ohio University is acquiring a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight, mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) equipped with direct analysis in real time (DART) sources to support Professor Stephen Bergmeier and colleagues Eric Masson, Justin Holub, Amir Farnoud and Jessica White. In general, mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical methods used to identify and characterize small quantities of chemical species in complex samples. MALDI TOF combines gentle ionization (ideal for producing intact ions of peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, synthetic polymers, and other similarly sized species) with a detection mode that offers an excellent balance between sensitivity and accuracy across a wide mass range. This highly sensitive technique allows identification and determination of the structure of molecules. The acquisition strengthens the research infrastructure at the university and region. The instrument broadens participation by involving diverse students with this modern analytical technique. The MALDI-TOF-MS is also used in outreach activities involving students from Appalachian Ohio and faculty from a number of liberal arts colleges in southeast Ohio including: Marietta College, Shawnee State University and the University of Rio Grande.<br/><br/>The award of the mass spectrometer is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels. It especially impacts the characterization of synthesized organic and medicinal compounds. The instrumentation is used for developing peptide-based ligands that modulate therapeutically-relevant signal transduction pathways in cells. In addition, it benefits the exploration of supramolecular chemistry using macrocycles of the curcubit[n]uril family and the use of inorganic compounds as photochemotherapeutics and their interactions with DNA. The mass spectrometer is used to understand mechanisms through which nanomaterials disrupt the plasma membrane and for measuring and imaging chemicals on solid surfaces. The MALDI spectrometer is also employed in studies of phenol-soluble modulins which have potential uses as antibiotics, and in screening synthetic or natural polymers, metal complexes, bacterial strains, complex carbohydrates and synthetic inorganic compounds.<br/><br/>This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

  • Program Officer
    Carlos Murillo
  • Min Amd Letter Date
    7/22/2020 - 3 years ago
  • Max Amd Letter Date
    7/22/2020 - 3 years ago
  • ARRA Amount

Institutions

  • Name
    Ohio University
  • City
    ATHENS
  • State
    OH
  • Country
    United States
  • Address
    108 CUTLER HL
  • Postal Code
    457012979
  • Phone Number
    7405932857

Investigators

  • First Name
    Stephen
  • Last Name
    Bergmeier
  • Email Address
    bergmeis@ohio.edu
  • Start Date
    7/22/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • First Name
    Eric
  • Last Name
    Masson
  • Email Address
    masson@ohio.edu
  • Start Date
    7/22/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • First Name
    Justin
  • Last Name
    Holub
  • Email Address
    holub@ohio.edu
  • Start Date
    7/22/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • First Name
    Amir
  • Last Name
    Farnoud
  • Email Address
    farnoud@ohio.edu
  • Start Date
    7/22/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • First Name
    Jessica
  • Last Name
    White
  • Email Address
    whitej7@ohio.edu
  • Start Date
    7/22/2020 12:00:00 AM

Program Element

  • Text
    Major Research Instrumentation
  • Code
    1189

Program Reference

  • Text
    MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
  • Code
    1189
  • Text
    NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD
  • Code
    7237
  • Text
    Biotechnology
  • Code
    8038