The Phase I research will combine the capabilities of high performance static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) employing state of the art mass analysis techniques with matrix enhanced ionization processes for analysis of biomolecules. The objective is to develop a fast, routine, high mass resolution (5,000 to 10,000) high sensitivity mass spectrometric technique, matrix enhanced SIMS for analyzing molecules up to 20,000 Da. This research program will evaluate the feasibility of developing ME-SIMS for routine use in analysis of peptides, proteins, and oligonucleotides. This study will examine the general characteristics of this solid mass spectrometric technique with regard to sensitivity, detectable mass range, mass resolution, and mass accuracy. These studies will be performed using a triple ESA TOFSIMS instrument equipped with Cs+ and Ga+ sources. The success of this Phase I research could develop more powerful SIMS techniques for a wide range of materials which would be applicable to a broad spectrum of users.
Thesaurus Terms:analytical method, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry, method development, oligonucleotide, peptide, protein diagnosis quality /standardNational Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
