Influence of conformation of synthetic polymers on desorption and ionization in MALDI-ToF mass spectrometrie

• Applicant: Dr. Steffen Weidner
• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers ; Analytical Chemistry
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 470342687

This project shall contribute to elucidate the influence of topology of synthetic polymers in the MALDI-ToF mass spectrometric analysis. By systematic comparison of polymers having identical chemical structure but different conformations (rings, linears, stars etc.) a better understanding of desorption and ionization processes in the source of the mass spectrometer can be obtained. Moreover, these MALDI experiments of polymers with different topologies should be extended to two different mass ranges to clearly differentiate between topological and molar mass effects. By comparison with another MS technique (electrospray ionisation – ESI) the desorption process, which contributes to the ionization probability, can be separated from the ionization step. Finally, the results shall define possible discrimination effects caused by polymer topologies and thus, contribute to a better quantification of the MALDI technique.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: USA
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Scott Grayson