School of Chemistry

Mass Spectrometry

Mass Spectrometry Facility

Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that enables precise identification and characterisation of molecules across chemistry, biology, and materials science by measuring the mass‑to‑charge ratio of ions liberated from a sample by a variety of methods (ESI, APCI, EI, MALDI). It provides insights into molecular weight, structural features, purity, and composition—making it an essential tool for research, quality control, and advanced molecular discovery.

The Mass Spectrometry Facility in the School of Chemistry offers both high‑resolution and nominal‑resolution mass spectrometry to support researchers across the University and external partners. Our suite of instruments enables the analysis of small molecules, peptides, intact proteins, isotopically labelled compounds, and complex biological samples.

Services

We provide a comprehensive range of analytical capabilities, including:

  • Accurate‑mass small‑molecule characterisation and tandem MS for unequivocal compound identification in mixtures
  • LC‑MS and GC‑MS analysis for a wide variety of small molecules, volatile, non-volatile and a variety of ionisation techniques available.
  • Sample purity assessment for peptides and isotopically labelled compounds
  • Intact protein mass determination using ESI‑MS for proteins up to ~60 kDa, enabling confirmation of molecular weight, sample integrity, post‑translational modifications, and covalent binding
  • High molecular weight material analysis for macromolecules and polymers that might not otherwise be analysed by ESI-MS, via MALDI-TOF.
  • Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) using MALDI for untargeted spatial mapping of metabolites in biological tissues at high mass resolution

Instrumentation

Our facility is equipped with a diverse range of modern platforms, including:

  • Agilent 6546 Q‑TOF High‑Resolution Mass Spectrometer, coupled to an Agilent 1260 UHPLC, offering 1–3 ppm mass accuracy, up to 45,000 resolving power, and extended mass‑range capabilities, suitable for precise ID of small molecules, protein mass analysis and quantitative analysis of analytes.
  • Shimadzu MALDI‑TOF (MALDI8030) for rapid analysis of peptides, polymers, small molecules, and high‑mass species up to m/z 500,000, with positive and negative ion mode operation and the ability to operate in high throughput analysis mode (48 samples on a plate) or image samples by mass in a scanning mode.
  • Agilent LC‑MS and GC‑MS systems for routine and targeted analysis of liquid/solution samples.
  • Agilent 6125B Single Quadrupole LC‑MS for open‑access, nominal‑mass analysis with fast polarity switching for measuring small molecule positive and negative ions.
  • Agilent 5975C/5977C GC‑MS systems for electron‑impact ionisation and volatile compound analysis.

 

For further information or to discuss project needs, please contact Dr Giovanni Rossi.

Downloads

Mass Spec Form

Protein Submission Form