The University of Texas at Dallas

Mass Spectrometry Core

The Mass Spectrometry Core (MSC) facility maintained and operated by Office of Research and Innovation provides services and expertise for the analysis of small and large molecules to users across campus and to external users. Currently, the MSC facility consists of Waters Xevo-Qtof coupled with Acquity UPLC H-class or nanoAcquity UPLC M-class (NSF award number: 2018188), Agilent GCMS and SHIMADZU MALDI system.

Instrumentation

XevoG2-XS QTof Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry from Waters Corporation is designed for qualitative and quantitative UPLC-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) applications. Users can identify, quantify and confirm a range of compounds in the complex samples with the comprehensive qualitative information, in addition to the high quantitative sensitivity.

The Agilent GCMS is equipped with a single quadrupole 5975C mass select detector and a 7890A Gas Chromatograph, This system has a pressure setpoint precision to 0.001 psi and high retention time reproducibility. It has an electron impact (EI) ionization source and equipped with a standard automatic 150 vial liquid sampler and headspace sampler. This GCMS is used to identify and quantify small molecular metabolites (50-650 daltons), including TCA intermediates, glycolysis, fatty acids, amino acids, sugars, fatty acids after chemical derivatization to make these compounds volatile enough for gas chromatography. GCMS is also useful for analysis of chemicals that are volatile or be volatile after derivatization. Software resources are MassHunter GCMS operation software, ChemStation data analysis software, MassHunter data analysis includes MassHunter Quant and MassHunter Qual. NIST Spectral Library will be used for compound identification.

The Shimadzu AXIMA Confidence MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry controlled by Launchpad software offers a quick and easy method of mass analysis using a minimal amount of sample. Key performance features include patented improved curved field reflectron, near-axis laser irradiation with a 50Hz variable repetition rate N2 laser, mass range 1-500kDa in linear mode and 1-80kDa in reflectron mode, mass resolution 5000 FWHM (ACTH 18-39) in linear mode; 15000 FWHM (ACTH 7-38) in reflectron mode, sensitivity 500 amol (Glu-fibrinopeptide) in reflectron mode, mass accuracy <10ppm in reflectron mode with internal calibration, and precursor ion resolution >200 FWHM. For a wide range of applications. In linear mode, high molecular weight samples can be analyzed and while in reflectron mode, high resolution and mass accuracy of lower molecular weight samples can be obtained. Peptides, proteins, DNAs, polymers and small molecules can be analyzed.

The core is equipped with sample extraction equipment and sample derivatization accessories. Sample preparation services are done by facility staff  and is charged at an hourly rate.

Services and Rates

The core provides several levels of interaction with users such as: basic analytical services, experimental design, biostatistical analysis, guidance on mechanism-based analysis and ‘Omics Integration’ and custom services after consultation with users.

Metabolomics and proteomics services is also provided by the core.

All fees in $/hr unless otherwise noted. Minimum reservation time is 30min.

  • User Fee – User fee for using the instrument with some assistance from staff.
  • Service Fee – Staff runs the sample on the instruments.
  • Training Fee – $60/hr per trainee.
InstrumentLocationInternal User FeeInternal Service Fee
Waters LCMSBSB 11.533View fees
Agilent GCMSBSB 11.541$35$60
Shimadzu MALDI-ToFBSB 11.682$20$45

To reserve an instrument, please visit the Lab Resources Scheduler. Name of the Faculty Supervisor/Sponsor and a valid Cost Center number is required to complete the reservation.

  • Users must make reservations before using the instruments.
  • Reservations must be cancelled at least 24 hours before the starting time of the reservation. Otherwise, the users will be charged for the reserved time slot.
  • Users are responsible for charges of unused reservation hours because of being late or for no-shows.
  • Users must not be more than 30 minutes late to prevent other users using your reserved time slot at your expense.
  • If a user cannot use the reserved slot for emergency reasons, please bring it to the staff’s attention.

Seminars 2022 – 2023

  1. General LC Theory and Practice
  2. Method Development Basics
  3. Sample Preparation Protocols
  4. Single-Cell Proteomics (Part I)
  5. Single-Cell Proteomics (Part II)
  6. Metabolomics
  7. MALDI Imaging

Contact

Please contact Fang Bian by emailing massspec@utdallas.edu with any questions or if you need further information.