Mass Spectrometry Laboratory

 

Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that is used to identify unknown compounds, to quantify known compounds, and to elucidate the structure and chemical properties of molecules. Detection of compounds can be accomplished with very minute quantities. Mass spectrometry provides valuable information for protein identification, thus it is essential to the study of proteomes.

A mass spectrometer is an instrument that can separate charged atoms or molecules according to their mass-to-charge ratio. Relative molecular masses of organic compounds and biopolymers can be measured in this way. The sample is introduced into the mass spectrometer, which is generally kept under high vacuum. Compounds are converted into gas phase molecules either before or during the ionization process, which takes place in the ion source. The produced ions are repelled out of the ion source and accelerated towards the analyzer region. Although both positive and negative ions may be generated at the same time, one polarity is chosen and either positive or negative ions are analyzed and recorded. Molecules that do not ionize, i.e. remain neutral, are pumped away and will not be detected.

The Mass Spectrometry laboratory at the Maiman Institute for Proteome Research is equipped with a state-of-the art Voyager DE-STR MALDI-TOF and a Q-STAR Pulsar LC/MS/MS mass spectrometers. The facility is currently offering services to analyze intact proteins, peptides and other bio-molecules.  Methods for preparation of peptides from proteins separated by 1D and 2D gels have been evaluated and we are pleased to offer protocols and advice on sample preparation to potential users.

 

 

The Maiman Institute for Proteome Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel