Proposal

Narrative

In this proposal faculty from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are requesting funds for the acquisition of an ultramodern mass spectrometer to enrich student education and training in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Drug Discovery. At FAU we strive to deliver laboratory courses of high quality and sophistication starting from the undergraduate level. A well-equipped teaching laboratory is needed to provide students with hands-on participation in real world research using state-of-the-art technologies and equipment and offer the best possible science education. Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Laboratories serve a broad community of student population including pre-med, biology, neuroscience, as well as chemistry and biochemistry majors. The Chemistry and Biochemistry department is presented with an exciting opportunity to apply for funds for acquisition of ultramodern mass spectrometry system. The requested instrument at an estimated cost of $182,000 ($60,000 discount!) will bridge existing departmental teaching computer and technology network (initiated and established using funds from four previous FAU TechFee grants in 2012-2016) and will greatly enhance students’ learning experience and training in ALL areas of chemistry with the connection to biotechnology and drug discovery. Acquiring and implementing these new bio/analytical technologies will further enhance the training, skills, and marketability of all majors taking courses in the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum. Moreover, such new bioanalytical technology will help students to be better prepared for graduate programs or compete in the Biotech/STEM related job markets. The request for this instrument purchase is perfectly aligned with the FAU strategic pillars and platforms: - Drug Discovery program is a part of Healthy Aging and Neuroscience pillars. - Distinction through discovery and research experience as a part of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry platform. As FAU puts more effort on participation of undergraduate students in research and inquiry activities, addition of a new molecular mass detection system will not only improve synthetic organic and biochemistry teaching, but also will help to attract and retain more undergraduate students willing to perform research projects. Molecular mass determination is the essential and indispensable tool in the identification of molecules. There are several spectroscopy methods used to determine molecular mass of molecules. The proposed to be funded molecular mass detection system uses Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) technology. In such system, the laser light excited analyzed molecules are accelerated in the electric field and their TOF is measured. The TOF is proportional to molecular mass. The proposed to acquire instrument Bruker Microflex LRF is the excellent mass spectrometry solution. It is capable of analysis of small organic molecules, polymers, proteins, carbohydrates, antibodies and more. This versatile, multifunction instrument will serve several laboratory courses offered to many students. Application of this modern molecular mass determination technology would impact the teaching of laboratory courses such as Organic Chemistry Lab (CHM 2211L) and Biochemistry Lab (BCH 3103L). Additionally, all Directed Independent Study (DIS) undergraduate student researchers (for example students taking CHM 4905 and BSC 4905) in any Department in any program in the entire University will be able to use that technology for their research projects. The estimated yearly total number of undergraduate students who will be positively affected with respect to their learning and research experiences at FAU by this new technology will be + 800 per academic year. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry currently does NOT have such a compact, modern, and easy to use mass spectrometry system that can provide research quality data to our students and can be used for teaching purposes. The currently used mass spectrometer at the Department – the AB Voyager DE is ~20 years old, frequently malfunctioning and incapable of using it for teaching purposes. This proposal aims to change this situation and enable as many undergraduate students as possible to have access and gain experience in using this very important technology. As the chemical characterization is one of the key steps in teaching chemistry and one of the first steps in drug discovery process, the requested instrument will greatly complement analytical instrument portfolio previously funded through FAU Tech Fee funding (NMR, IR, UV-VIS spectroscopic and microwave assisted synthetic technologies). It will also enable Chemistry curriculum students to gain valuable hands-on experience in modern analytical technologies being part of FAU continuous efforts towards excellence in undergraduate education and research.

Facilities

None required.

Hardware Requirements

Benchtop MALDI-Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer for accurate mass determination of bio-molecules. Includes microSCOUTTM MALDI ion source with extended pulsed ion extraction PANTM mass range focussing; 60 Hz nitrogen laser; TOF analyzer for linear and reflectron measurements; MS/MS capability for FAST/PSD measurements; Data System with digitizer, Everything is included in the attached quote.

Software Requirements

WIN-7 Operating System, >=20” LCD-Display, Laser printer and CompassTM for Flex software package for MS control, data acquisition and processing; Everything is included in the attached quote.

Personnel Costs

None required.

Other Costs

None required.

Timeline

In the event of this proposal being funded the installation will be completed by Bruker representative and Dr. Maciej Stawikowski (Director of the Organic Laboratories), immediately after its delivery. Minimal assistance from Information Technology (IT) staff in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (CESCoS) will be required.   Installation will likely take place in the Summer 2018 semester.

Sustainability

Dr. Maciej Stawikowski will train all Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry Lab Teaching Assistants (TAs) in MALDI software operation. In addition, Dr. Maciej Stawikowski, will be in charge of coordinating usage of the MALDI technologies by undergraduate student researchers (DIS students) at FAU. Regular hardware maintenance will be covered by Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry staff member (Dr. F. Russel).

Resource Matching

None available.

Implementing Organization

The project will be implemented by Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.