Services | Mass Spectrometry Facility | SIU

Sample Analysis by Facility Personnel

Facility personnel routinely analyze submitted samples (see services listed below). Guidelines and forms for sample submission are found under "Protocols" and "Sample Submission".  Please note that the Facility is not equipped or licensed to handle radioactive and biohazardous samples.

1. IRMS: Stable isotopes δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ²H and δ¹⁸O for both solids and liquids.
2. ICPMS: Sample digestion and elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
3. GC-MS: Mass spectrometric analysis of mixtures of volatile compounds.
4. MALDI - TOFMS: Generation of peptide mass fingerprints followed by public database searching or  intact protein molecular weight determination.
5. Direct infusion Electrospray MS: Syringe pump used to infuse solution of pure sample for mass spectrometric analysis.  Note: Not appropriate for complex mixtures.
6. HPLC- Electrospray MS or MS/MS: HPLC separation combined with mass spectrometric (MS) analysis or the use of collision induced dissociation (CID) in various types of MS/MS experiments to detect product ions, to scan for parent ions that form a specific product ion, or to screen for the loss of neutral fragments.

Use of Instruments by Trained Investigators

Instruction on the use of Facility instruments is available. Training involves lecture and hands-on experience with the instruments (usually 2.5 - 8 hours). After approval by the instructor (Application for Training (PDF format)), the investigator is expected to operate the instruments with minimal guidance from Facility personnel.  Refer to "Rates" for the cost of training.

The Facility offers training on gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOFMS).  GC-MS allows for the separation and subsequent detection of volatile, small molecular weight compounds (< 800 Da) with the production of electron impact (EI) mass spectra.  MALDI TOFMS is routinely used for the analysis of peptides and proteins.