Utilizing Mass Spectrometry for Teaching and for the Analysis of Carbohydrates
Poster Number
48
Faculty Mentor Name
Andreas H. Franz
Format
Poster Presentation
Research or Creativity Area
Natural Sciences
Abstract
Purpose: The intention was to save electronic waste and convert a decommissioned mass spectrometer into a teaching prop in the lecture hall. In addition, a brand-new replacement mass spectrometer was used to characterize oligo- and polysaccharides.
Results: Here we report on a hands-on prop for demonstrative learning in the field of mass spectrometry (MS), specifically Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) Time-Of-Flight (TOF) MS. The converted instrument not only saved expensive waste from accumulating, but also allowed for the expansion of students' knowledge within subjects covered in lecture; thus, strengthening their expertise within their own field of study.1,2 We also present preliminary results from a brand-new MALDI-TOF instrument that we used for analyzing carbohydrates labeled with a small UV-active molecular tag (2-aminobenzamide 2-AB or 1-pyrenemethylamine 1-PMA)3 as well as a high-mass polysaccharide dextran 9400. Utilizing the new instrument, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides were tested to identify the masses and the structures of these complex molecules. Labeled sugars were detected by Ultra-Violet (UV) absorption during High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separation. Especially the 1-PMA tag caused extensive fragmentation of the precursor ion of maltoheptaose at m/z 1154 during Post-Source Dissociation (PSD), which provided valuable structural information. The dextran sample was difficult to ionize because of strong intermolecular attractive forces reducing ionization efficiency for ions above m/z ~6000.
Significance:
First, mechanical waste is a common and expensive problem universities face when presented with a nonfunctional instrument. Transforming these decommissioned machines into instruments for education allows for an inexpensive solution that sustains the teaching mission.
Second, reliable methods for quantifying oligosaccharides via UV-absorption and their unambiguous structural characterization are essential for establishing where sugars are found in nature and, ultimately, how they function in nature.
- Connor, M. C. et al., J. Chem. Ed. 2022, 99 (9), 3143-3154, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.2c00415.
- Overway, K., J. Chem. Educ. 2024, 101 (7), 2802-2805, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c01300.
- Franz, A. H. et al. Anal. Sci. 2025, 41 (3), 297-310, https://doi.org/10.1007/s44211-024-00700-w.
Location
University of the Pacific, DeRosa University Center
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 2:00 PM
Utilizing Mass Spectrometry for Teaching and for the Analysis of Carbohydrates
University of the Pacific, DeRosa University Center
Purpose: The intention was to save electronic waste and convert a decommissioned mass spectrometer into a teaching prop in the lecture hall. In addition, a brand-new replacement mass spectrometer was used to characterize oligo- and polysaccharides.
Results: Here we report on a hands-on prop for demonstrative learning in the field of mass spectrometry (MS), specifically Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) Time-Of-Flight (TOF) MS. The converted instrument not only saved expensive waste from accumulating, but also allowed for the expansion of students' knowledge within subjects covered in lecture; thus, strengthening their expertise within their own field of study.1,2 We also present preliminary results from a brand-new MALDI-TOF instrument that we used for analyzing carbohydrates labeled with a small UV-active molecular tag (2-aminobenzamide 2-AB or 1-pyrenemethylamine 1-PMA)3 as well as a high-mass polysaccharide dextran 9400. Utilizing the new instrument, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides were tested to identify the masses and the structures of these complex molecules. Labeled sugars were detected by Ultra-Violet (UV) absorption during High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separation. Especially the 1-PMA tag caused extensive fragmentation of the precursor ion of maltoheptaose at m/z 1154 during Post-Source Dissociation (PSD), which provided valuable structural information. The dextran sample was difficult to ionize because of strong intermolecular attractive forces reducing ionization efficiency for ions above m/z ~6000.
Significance:
First, mechanical waste is a common and expensive problem universities face when presented with a nonfunctional instrument. Transforming these decommissioned machines into instruments for education allows for an inexpensive solution that sustains the teaching mission.
Second, reliable methods for quantifying oligosaccharides via UV-absorption and their unambiguous structural characterization are essential for establishing where sugars are found in nature and, ultimately, how they function in nature.
- Connor, M. C. et al., J. Chem. Ed. 2022, 99 (9), 3143-3154, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.2c00415.
- Overway, K., J. Chem. Educ. 2024, 101 (7), 2802-2805, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c01300.
- Franz, A. H. et al. Anal. Sci. 2025, 41 (3), 297-310, https://doi.org/10.1007/s44211-024-00700-w.
