Project Details
Projekt
MALDI imaging and analysis of fossils
Applicant
Privatdozentin Dr. Marianne Engeser
Subject Area
Palaeontology
Analytical Chemistry
Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
Analytical Chemistry
Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
Term
since 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 348043586
Modern mass spectrometry in combination with soft ionization techniques is a powerful tool for the characterization of molecular and supramolecular compounds. It not only provides the mass of the molecules, but it can also yield information on their structure and on the sequence and modifications of biopolymers. Currently, there are many well-established mass spectrometric methods and measuring protocols for applications in life sciences, chemistry, pharmacy, forensics etc. that target a broad variety of molecules ranging from proteins and peptides, lipids, sugars, organic molecules, metal complexes to synthetic polymers with extreme sensitivity. It is thus very tempting to use modern mass spectrometry to detect organic remains in fossil samples. Many of the established procedures, however, stem from life sciences and cannot directly be applied to mineralized samples. Demineralization and extraction of powdered samples is a viable way to overcome the obstacle and enable mass spectrometric analysis, but it comes at the high cost of losing information about the spatial distribution of the analytes. On the other hand, established spatially-resolved methods like secondary-ion mass spectrometry often do not sample intact molecules, but rather unspecific fragments. The intention of this project thus is to develop new methods for the spatially-resolved detection of intact organic molecules in fossil samples via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry in close collaboration within the research unit FOR 2685 (fossilization). A major part of the intended work program consists of optimizing sample preparation procedures of experimentally altered ostrich bone as well as of strongly mineralized fossil dinosaur bone. Once a reliable and robust method for MALDI imaging of these samples has been found, collagen and putative remainders thereof will me measured with spatial resolution. Further methods will be developed for MALDI imaging of amber insects and for the detection of preserved color pigments in fossils.
DFG Programme
Research Units
