Ultra High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer with UV-vis and Fluorescence Detection - Project Summary/Abstract: The Agilent 1290 Infinity Series II ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system with spectroscopic detection capabilities is a cutting-edge analytical instrument specifically designed to separate highly similar molecules in complex samples. Seamlessly integrated with the state-of-the-art Agilent 6530 quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer capable of simultaneous identification of metabolically relevant molecules in complex samples. Agilent’s Mass Hunter software integrated with this instrument enables the identification of a large number of compounds in complex biological samples. Access to the UHPLC-QTOF is essential to stimulate biomedical research and education at an undergraduate institution located in Eastern Montana, with a particular focus on serving underserved Native American populations. Access to a UHPLC-QTOF will enable investigations into disease mechanisms, protein structure and function, drug discovery, biomarker identification, and toxicological studies. By providing access to this instrument, MSUB can attract additional talented biomedical researchers, create networking opportunities, and foster collaborations between academia and industry; the availability of these cutting-edge instruments elevates the institution's profile, establishing it as a center for pioneering research and education, and attracting external funding and other resources to support its endeavors. The long-term goals of this proposal look to stimulate biomedical research and education while fostering scientific advancements at MSUB and addressing health disparities, especially among underserved communities. Central to these objectives is access to the analytical technology offered by this UHPLC-QTOF, which empowers researchers and students to explore the rich biodiversity and unique healthcare challenges in eastern Montana and around the world. By providing undergraduate students with hands-on experiences in advanced analytical techniques, MSUB will stimulate biomedical research and cultivate critical thinking among the next generation of researchers. Furthermore, the long-term vision includes fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between talented researchers at MSUB to contribute to current and future projects, while also facilitating partnerships with local healthcare providers, neighboring tribal communities, and industry partners. Such collaborations drive interdisciplinary research and innovation, ultimately working towards the development of novel solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.
