Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a method for exacting mass determinations of biomolecules and other analytes. The most frequent uses are in identifying unknown proteins via peptide mass fingerprints, characterizing the masses of intact proteins, and characterizing synthetic peptides and oligonucleotides. The method is simple, cost-effective, and exquisitely sensitive.

An Applied Biosystems Voyager-DE Pro MALDI-TOF MS Workstation is available to meet the needs of OSU's research and extension communities. The DE-Pro Workstation is an integrated system capable of automated high-throughput protein identification as well as more focused studies to identify and characterize individual proteins, peptides, and other analytes.

The mass spectrometer component of the workstation includes numerous advanced features that will allow researchers to perform exquisitely accurate molecular weight determinations on fmole amounts of polypeptide. Additionally, the mass spectrometer is capable of post source decay analysis to facilitate studies of posttranslational modifications and de novo sequencing.

In addition to the mass spectrometer, the Workstation includes a MassPrep robotic protein-handling module for high-throughput sample preparation.

A separate 733-MHz, dual-processor workstation loaded with a full suite of MS proteomics applications will allow investigators to search their experimentally determined masses against those predicted by sequences present in published or developing databases. Alternatively, data can be exported for analysis on internet-based MS database applications such as Mascot®.

More Information?
Facility clients are urged to contact Dr. Steven Hartson at (405) 744-6191 for advice regarding their questions, needs, or projects.