Acquisition of a high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer for the discovery and structural analysis of biologically active compounds: applications in proteomics, biomarkers, synthesis, isolation, and characterization of natural products, studies of redox systems in food and enzymatic synthesis

Abstract

The equipment requested in this proposal is a highresolution mass spectrometer that works in tandem (MS-MS) in order to carry out multiple fragmentation stages. The equipment consists of a quadrupole linear ion trap (linear trap quadrupole, LTQ) coupled to an “Orbitrap” spectrometer. The LTQ-Orbitrap Velos is capable of providing the high precision necessary for the structural analysis of small molecules; rapid, diverse fragmentation processes for the sequencing of proteins and peptides; and analytical sensitivity for the characterization of trace metabolites, pollutants, and drugs in a wide variety of matrices. The incorporation of this equipment at the Instrumental Chemical Analysis Center of the USP São Carlos Chemistry Institute will make it possible to obtain unprecedented results in terms of the following: the structural analysis of organic compounds of low molecular mass, originating from total synthesis, enzymatic synthesis, redox processes, plant extracts, venoms, or microorganisms; the sequencing of proteins in proteomic, clinical, and biomarker studies, as well as in structural studies, functional studies, and studies of post-translational modifications, in vivo and in vitro, by heterologous protein expression; the analytical detectability of endogenous and exogenous compounds in complex matrices, such as environmental matrices, as well as those in food and beverages; and the development of human resources that are highly qualified to conduct research using mass spectrometry. (AU)