Mass Spectrometry II Core

The Lerner Research Institute (LRI) of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) has established a Mass Spectrometry (MS) Core II facility, functioning as both an investigative Core and a service Core research facility. The main focus of this core is quantification of molecules in complex matrices and structural characterization of small compounds. The core is designed to meet the growing needs of investigators for development of analytical methods for detection and quantification of biomarkers in plasma, tissue and other biological materials.

The core is equipped with a Micromass Quattro Ultima triple quatrupole mass spectrometry system and a Beckman HPLC equipped with autosampler, photodiode array and fluorescence detectors. The mass spectrometer has two ionization sources available: electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). The effective mass range is 4180 Da for singly charged species. Reverse phase HPLC/MS or online HPLC tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis is available with this instrument.

The MS II Core, under the direction of Dr. Stanley Hazen, was made possible by the award of an instrument grant from the NIH. The core manager, Dr. Renliang Zhang, has both biochemistry and analytical chemistry background and extensive HPLC and mass spectrometry experience. Instrument time may be purchased on a fee-for-use basis by major and infrequent users, as outlined below. Expert technical assistance tailored to meet the needs of investigators in all aspects of studies can be provided (both for investigators who are novices or knowledgeable in mass spectrometry applications). This includes advice in methods of appropriate sample storage and preparation, and assistance in development and use of mass spectrometry or HPLC-based analyses of samples.