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Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Laboratory

Protein Molecule and DNA Double Helix----------------------------------------

Welcome to the mass spectrometry laboratory of Dr. Peter Williams in
the Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Arizona State University.
We specialize in mass spectrometric methods for the analysis of involatile materials.
These can be separated into two distinct classes: Rocks and Goo.
Under Rocks we classify covalently or ionically bonded materials such as minerals, metals, semiconductors, ceramics.  The information required is typically elemental composition, in particular trace element and impurity composition, ideally spatially localized.  The analytical technique used is Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).  For further information on SIMS, please visit the Rock page: [  SIMS  ]

Goo refers to macromolecular materials, typically biomolecular, which are involatile due to aggregate
non-covalent interactions between molecules.  The information required is molecular mass, identity and amount.
We utilize the techniques of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization(MALDI) and
Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry  to study a broad range ofbiological
and synthetic molecules.  We have also developed a new technique: Impact Desolvation of Electrosprayed Microdroplets (IDEM) which may have some advantages for analysis of biomolecular mixtures,
particularly DNA.  The laboratory is located in the basement of the Physical Sciences Building, Room D60.
To see the instruments and some of the research we have been up to, explore the web pages below.

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Instrumentation

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Research Areas

Big Molecule Mass Spectrometry * Nucleic Acid (DNA) MS

Bioreactive Probe Tips * Polymer MS

Mass Spectrometric Immunoassay (MSIA)

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Publications

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Links

To other useful mass spectrometry and related sites... ----------------------------------------

Personnel

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Last modified on January 4, 2002 
 

 pwilliams@asu.edu Peter Williams DISCLAIMER