Triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer coupled to a HPLC system

• Subject Area: Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 505943254

The proposed triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer coupled to a high-pressure liquid chromatography system (HPLC-MS/MS) represents a device system for the highly specific and highly sensitive analysis of small organic molecules (< 2000 Da). The device should on the one hand enable quantification of lowest concentrations of drugs and their metabolites, as well as endogenous substances (biomarkers) in complex biological matrices (e.g. serum, organ homogenates, cell lysates). On the other hand, the device system should be used for the identification and quantification of proteins such as drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes in in vitro systems (e.g. cell lines, microsomes, organoids) and human and animal tissue samples using the so-called targeted proteomics approach.For the presented aims, the device applied for represents the optimal research platform, as it combines the highest specificity with the highest measurement sensitivity. In addition, combined experiments can be carried out that previously could only be carried out with two different types of mass spectrometers (i.e., ion trap mass spectrometer and triple quadrupole mass spectrometer). The overall research goal of the applying working group is the characterization of the expression, regulation and function of metabolizing enzymes and transport proteins, which are of great relevance for the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of drug therapy. The device system applied for and the associated combination of the highest measurement sensitivity and specificity is an essential prerequisite for the realization of the research goals set. The Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Rostock University Medical Center already has extensive experience in the field of LC-MS/MS analysis and also has the appropriate equipment. However, the existing old devices are on the one hand heavily used and on the other hand not sufficiently sensitive or technically not suitable to be able to address the current issues. The requested device would enable us to carry out our own research analyzes with previously unimagined sensitivity and specificity.In addition to realizing your own research questions, the device system is also used within the framework of university-internal, as well as national and international cooperation. The main goal here is on the one hand the establishment of stable and long-term research cooperations and on the other hand a sustainable scientific exploitation in the form of high-ranking publications and, if possible, also patent applications.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Triple-Quadrupol-Massenspektrometer mit linearer Ionenfalle gekoppelt an HPLC
• Instrumentation Group: 1700 Massenspektrometer
• Applicant Institution: Universität Rostock
• Leader: Professor Dr. Stefan Oswald