Project

Discipline

Fourier transform mass spectrometry; Multistage tandem mass spectrometry (MSn); Novel ion dissociation techniques; Structure elucidation; Sequence elucidation; Molecular foundation of biological processes; Chemistry of new materials; LTQ Orbitrap XL hybrid mass spectrometer

Lead
Lay summary
Aims of the ProjectSupport has been requested for the purchase of a high-performance mass spectrometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific LTQ Orbitrap XL). The availability of a high-performance instrument at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is of utmost importance for continuing internationally competitive research. The instrument will be used for detailed structural characterization of compounds that are of interest to the research community at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and adjoining institutes of the University of Bern. Significance of the ProjectResearch at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is focused on two main areas, the molecular foundation of biological processes and the chemistry of new materials. Research activities are reflected by a variety of structurally and physically different compounds, ranging from low-mass natural products to noncovalent complexes and high-mass biomolecules. Research in both areas strongly depends on adequate analytical equipment for structural characterization of products newly synthesized or isolated. Mass spectrometry is one of the analytical key technologies in the molecular sciences and many of the recent advances in research are related to the application of mass spectrometric techniques. Modern instrumentation enables the detailed analysis of virtually any sample, regardless of its polarity or size. Structural and sequence information is obtained by activation and dissociation of ionized sample compounds in the gas phase and subsequent analysis of the fragments. The performance of the instrument, the possibility to perform multiple stages of tandem mass spectrometry, and the implementation of novel dissociation techniques will greatly extend the analytical capabilities and enable new strategies for research. More detailed and unambiguous structural information will be obtained, which has not been possible with our current equipment.Scientific Focus of the ProjectResearch activities in the various fields of chemistry and life sciences will strongly benefit from the instrument and substantial acceleration of research is expected. It is expected that the demonstration of instrumental capabilities will definitely trigger novel, innovative research projects and more researchers will join the team of users.

Direct link to Lay Summary

Last update: 21.02.2013

Number	Title	Start	Funding scheme

Support is requested for the purchase of a high-performance LTQ Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific LTQ Orbitrap XL) for detailed structural characterization of compounds that are of interest to the research community at the Department of Chemisty and Biochemistry and adjoining institutes and Faculties of the University of Bern. The availability of a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer is of utmost importance for continuing internationally competitive research. The outstanding mass resolving power and accuracy of the instrument, the possibility to perform multiple stages of tandem mass spectrometry, and the implementation of novel dissociation techniques will greatly extend our analytical capabilities and enable new strategies for research. More detailed and unambiguous structural information will be obtained, which is not possible with our current equipment. Consequently, substantial acceleration of research is expected. Research activities in various fields of chemistry and life sciences will benefit from the instrument. This proposal gives an overview of ongoing and future projects of research groups at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry that will take advantage of the instrument, or even depend on it completely. Additionally, there is a larger number of research groups from adjoining institutes (Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) that are interested in using the instrument as well.