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About Our Research
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Research in our group centers around three aspects of analytical mass spectrometry: instrumentation, fundamentals, and applications. Instrumentation development includes a wide range of projects in tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and chromatography. We are developing a laser microprobe MS/MS system to image trace levels of drugs and biomolecules in tissue specimens. Also under development is a portable ion trap tandem mass spectrometer for NASA applications. Laser desorption and electrospray ion trap MS/MS systems for biopolymer sequencing have recently been completed as well.
Fundamental studies in our group focus on computer modeling and experiments to enhance the analytical capabilities of mass spectrometry. Simulations of trajectories of ions injected into ion traps indicate strategies for dramatically improved sensitivity. We are also studying methods for fragmenting ions for MS/MS, including low- and high-energy collision-induced dissociation, laser photodissociation, and ion-molecule cleavage reactions.
Applications of the techniques developed in our group include a wide range of studies in clinical, pharmacological, biotechnological, environmental, petrochemical, and forensic analysis. Current projects include sequencing peptides and oligosaccharides, measuring binding between antibiotics and toxins, profiling acylcarnitines in metabolic disorders, exploring distorted porphyrins such as cytochromes, drug screening using hair samples, identifying human attractants for mosquitos, and structure elucidation of conducting polymers. These applications involve direct collaboration with colleagues in other departments on campus and around the world.