The Open Access Lab has both MALDI and ESI technology.

     MALDI ionization is a solid-phase ionization method and uses a matrix of organic aromatic acid dissolved in a mixture of water and acetonitrile or methanol. This matrix is then mixed with the analyte solution and deposited on a metal plate that is used in the mass spectrometer. When dried, the matrix/analyte mixture forms a crystalline lattice on the surface of the metal plate with the analyte molecules imbedded within the lattice. When the laser is fired into this lattice, the organic acid molecules absorb the energy, ablate from the surface and carry the analyte into the gas phase as a charged ion.

     ESI generates ions from solutions and is the primary method for linking liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The solvated analyte is ionized by spraying the solution through a needle at high voltage. This high voltage applied to the spray generates charged droplets that progressively become smaller through evaporation. When the droplets become too small to contain the charged molecules, these ions are ejected into the gas phase and can be analyzed by the mass spectrometer.

     Training for instrumentation in the facility is performed either on a one-to-one basis or with a small group of no more than 2-3 people. We feel that this is the fastest and most efficient method for training by allowing hands learning. Training times for the MALDI-TOF system is 1 hour and for the LC/MS system is 2 hours. The primary contact person for training on the instruments in the Open Access Lab is Bill Webb.