Mass Spectrometry

The facility has five instruments for a wide range of applications, from separation, quantitation and identification of organic compounds to high-resolution mass determination of small and large molecules. A number of sample introduction options, MS ionization sources and MS analyzer types are available to allow analysis of small to large molecules in complex matrices, and for different compound chemistries.

Training and assistance in method development on all instruments is provided. Sample analysis is also available, upon request.

The techniques currently available in our facility are:

1. UHPLC-MS/MS (qTOF) (January 2024) *NEW*

    • alternative fragmentation enabled by an electron activation dissociation (EAD) cell
    • accurate mass determination of small and large organic molecules up to 40 kDa
    • separation, qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds in a variety of matrices
    • targeted and untargeted analysis
    • multiple operating modes: Full-scan TOF MS, Full scan TOF MS/MS, MRM HR, IDA, Zeno SWATH
    • UV/VIS and MS qTOF detection

2. UHPLC-MS/MS (TripleQuad) (March 2024) *NEW*

    • Sensitive quantification of molecules up to 3 kDa
    • separation, qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds in a variety of matrices
    • targeted analysis
    • multiple operating modes: scan, SIM, MRM, Product Ion, Precursor Ion, Neutral Loss, Neutral Gain, dMRM, tMRM and mixed
    • UV/VIS and MS TripleQuadrupole detection

3. HPLC-UV-MS (TOF)

    • ESI and APPI ionization sources
    • accurate mass determination of small and large molecules
    • separation, qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds in a variety of matrices
    • reverse and normal phase chromatography are possible
    • UV/VIS and MS TOF detection

4. MALDI

    • direct mass determination of very high molecular species
      (from inorganic complexes to synthetic polymers, supramolecular coordination assemblies and peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, oligonucleotides)
    • identification and characterization of copolymer subunit, characterization of the end unit and poly-dispersity for synthetic polymers
    • linear and reflector modes
    • MS and MS/MS mode

5. GC-MS-FID (November 2023)  *NEW*

    • for separation, quantitative and qualitative analysis of volatile and semi volatile compounds
    • suitable for non polar or less polar organic compounds (HP5MS UI columns installed)
    • liquid injection, static headspace or dynamic headspace (Purge and Trap)
    • MS detection with EI or CI ionization
    • FID detector installed in parallel

6. GC- MS

    • for separation, quantitative and qualitative analysis of semi volatile compounds
    • suitable for non polar or less polar organic compounds (ZB-5MS plus column installed)
    • other columns of varying polarity available

Potential users of the facility are encouraged to meet with the facility manager prior to training to discuss the scope and nature of their work and to determine the most appropriate instrument choice.