ESI-IM-mass spectrometer

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 503478512

The scientific questions of the groups involved in this application focus on the analysis of specific lipid and protein composition and dynamics at the molecular, subcellular and cellular level. Thus, analyses of individual proteins, flux measurements of specific metabolites or even individual lipid species in their natural environment (in the cell, organelle or membrane) are necessary. Only by detecting the modification of these molecules by the cell (post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation of proteins, structural modifications on lipids such as degree of saturation, cyclizations or conversion, the mechanisms of action can be determined.This requires mass spectrometers that identify and characterize these molecules with increasing sensitivity, accuracy and targeting in a considerable biological background. In recent years in particular, considerable further developments have been achieved in the mass accuracy, speed and sensitivity of the corresponding mass spectrometers. In addition, "ion mobility" (IM) has been established in almost all instruments on the market. With the help of this technology, molecules can be separated again in the MS itself before their actual mass determination. This allows the separation or characterization not only of isobaric or very similar molecules, but also a much better characterization of complex sample mixtures.Last but not least, significant instrumental improvements in the upstream separation systems (LC) and new algorithms in the downstream evaluation systems (software) have also been introduced.Since it is not possible to upgrade existing systems to the latest technology, a new LC-IM mass spectrometer is requested here in order to be able to address the current scientific questions of the deparmtent of biology/chemistry in sufficient depth.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: ESI-IM-Massenspektrometer
• Instrumentation Group: 1700 Massenspektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Universität Osnabrück
• Leader: Professor Dr. Florian Fröhlich