The Core Facility EMMA offers all working groups within the University of Ulm as well as external academic institutions and companies the analysis of samples using various mass spectrometric methods.

For all planned studies in which mass spectrometry is intended to provide support, please contact us in advance to discuss the project and identify any problems at an early stage. When you bring the samples over, please also bring the completed form for the MS measurements with you.

The Core Facility focuses on the analysis of heteroaromatic oligomers and polymers. The range of services also includes analyzes of peptides, proteins, oligosaccharides, oligonucleotides and metal complexes. Depending on the task, different instruments are used. The selection of spectrometers and methods is based on availability and analytical question. The service department advises users in advance and during the course of the project regarding experimental strategies, applicable methods, sample preparation and interpretation of the results. The support also includes the bioinformatic evaluation of data.

Other techniques to consider: NMR, CHNS Analysis, MALDI TOF-TOF.

Instruments

Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry

GC-MS

Thermo Scientific ISQ LT (N26/129)

Ionization Methods

Electroionization

Chemical Ionization - (+) and (-)

Mass Range

up to 1000 u

Injection Methods

volatile samples

Gas Chromatography (Thermo Scientific Trace 1300)

non-volatile samples

Direct Insertion Probe (DIP) up to  350 °C

Direct-Exposure Probe (DEP) up to ca. 1000 °C

Preparation

GC

  • Samples weighed (1-2 mg) or dissolved in a volatile solvent (DCM, hexane, pentane, ethyl acetate, acetone, diethyl ester, methanol, etc.) (concentration required) and placed in a GC sample vial.

Solids inlet

  • Dispense weighed samples (1-2 mg) in a GC sample vial or Eppendorff Microtube (0.5 or 1.5 ml).

Submission

Please submit the completed form for MS measurements (see below) together with the sample. The sample cabinet for delivery is located in front of the MS laboratory in N26/130.

  • Solid inlet for non-polar volatile samples, e.g. saturated and unsaturated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives such as halides, ethers, acids, esters, amines, amides, heterocycles, flavones, steroids, terpenes and comparable compounds.

  • GC-EI-MS is used for the direct analysis of mixtures, e.g. in the analysis of synthesis by-products.

FT-Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

FT-ICR Massenspectrometer

Bruker solariX (N26/104)

Magnetic Field Strength

7 Tesla

Mass Range

100 to 10000 u

Ionization Methods

Electrospray Ionization (ESI)

Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI)

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI)

Preparation

**The sample preparation up to the actual mass spectrometric analysis is carried out by the user (possibly after agreeing on suitable sample preparation protocols).**

  • Samples should be weighed (1-2 mg) into a GC sample vial or Eppendorff Microtube (0.5 or 1.5 ml). If necessary, the samples can also be dissolved in a volatile solvent (DCM, hexane, pentane, ethyl acetate, acetone, diethyl ester, methanol, etc.) (concentration required).

Submission

Please submit the completed form for MS measurements (see below) together with the sample. The sample cabinet for delivery is located in front of the MS laboratory in N26/130.

  • Determination of the exact mass and identity control of organic polymers and macrocycles, metal complexes, peptides, glycans and oligonucleotides
  • Identification of proteins from 1D and 2D gel bands
  • Localization of post-translational modifications by “peptide mapping”

Useful Infomation