Mass Spectrometry Facility
High-resolution mass spectrometry for global metabolic profiling, targeted metabolomics and stable isotope-resolved analysis.
Sidebar
The CREAM Mass Spectrometry Facility houses a versatile combination of instruments capable of global metabolic profiling, targeted metabolomics, stable isotope-resolved analysis and advanced research in lipidomics and epitranscriptomics – both qualitative and quantitative. Our state-of-the-art platforms support a broad range of biological and clinical investigations beyond metabolomics.
Our High-Resolution Accurate Mass (HRAM) LC–MS platforms include the Orbitrap Fusion Lumos and Q Exactive (QE) Orbitrap systems, offering exceptional mass accuracy, resolution and structural characterization. The Orbitrap Fusion Lumos is optimized for RNA macromolecule analysis, enabling modification mapping of large RNA species. The QE Orbitrap platforms support discovery-based metabolomics and lipidomics through parallel and multi-dimensional workflows, allowing broad-scale profiling of polar metabolites and complex lipid classes.
For targeted quantitative analysis, our Waters Triple Quadrupole (QQQ) system provides superior sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility – ideal for absolute quantification and targeted validation following untargeted discovery studies. Our GC–MS platform complements LC–MS workflows with dedicated analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
Mass Spectrometry Facility
Tandem MS-filtered Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (7.0 Tesla) (MS-FTICR-MSn)
(LTQ FT, Thermo Electron Corp.)
The hybrid MS-FTICR-MSn with front-end tandem mass spectrometer offers ultrahigh accuracy (ca. ~1.0 ppm) with ultrahigh resolution (R=100-400K) and is physically combined with a plateform of linear ion trap mass spectrometer (LTQTM description see below) (Thermo Electron Corp.). The ICR cell is also functioned with:
- Infrared multi-photon dissociation (IRMPD) fragmentation MSn
- Electron-capture dissociation (ECD) fragmentation MSn
The MS-FT-MSn system provides confident capabilities for various high resolution analyses for complex microcosmic structure identification and quantification, including accurate mass and isotopomer distribution, of a wide range of small molecules and proteins, their metabolites, turnover pathways and so on.
Linear ion trap mass spectrometer (LTQ)
(LTQTM, Thermo Electron Corp.)
The LTQ™ is a two-dimensional (2D) linear ion trap mass spectrometer with unique features, and represents a major leap in ion trap technology from the traditional three-dimensional (3D) quadrupole ion traps. The LTQTM mass spectrometer is a hybrid platform of MS-FTICR-MSn and coupled with various ion sources and sample introduction and separation systems, including:
- Nano electrospray ionization source (ESI)
- Automated chip-based nozzles nanomate ESI system (TriVersaTM, Advion)
- Atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP-MALDI)
- Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)
- Atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI)
- Collision-induced dissociation (CID) MSn in the linear ion trap
- 1D and 2D LC systems with conventional, micro and nano flow (Ultimate 3000)
- UV-visible wavelength detector with sub-microliter cell (Ultimate 3000)
The LTQTM system can be used alone or in combination with FTICR-MS, and has the individual and integrated complementary benefits as a reliable tool for structural identification and quantification in complex matrices, such as protein identification and quantitative differential expression analysis; biomarker studies and post-translational modification (PTM) identification; metabolite identification and quantification; drug and forensics screening with HPLC separation methods, and many others beyond these applications.
(Pegasus 4D GCxGC-TOF MS, LECO Corp.)
Compared with the conventional one-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system, the Pegasus from LECO adds a second dimension of chromatographic resolution to the sample analysis. This is accomplished by using two orthogonal separation phases (such as non-polar and polar) within a single analysis.
- Spectral collection rates up to 500 full-range mass spectra/second (500 Hz) –the Pegasus is the only MS detector capable of true comprehensive multi-dimensional chromatography
- Cryo-focusing prior to release on the secondary column provides up to a ten fold increase in analyte detectability
- True Signal Deconvolution – no other MS manufacturer in the world can match LECO’s deconvolution experience and success
- Automated peak find
- Wide dynamic range (four orders of magnitude)
- Maintenance-free ion source (no cleaning required)
- A robust quad-jet, dual stage thermal modulator
- Optional consumable-free thermal modulator
- Secondary oven for enhanced selectivity