Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionizationIonization techniqueMALDI TOF mass spectrometerIn mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is an ionization technique that uses a laser energy-absorbing matrix to create ions from large molecules with minimal fragmentation.
ElectrosprayThe name electrospray is used for an apparatus that employs electricity to disperse a liquid or for the fine aerosol resulting from this process. High voltage is applied to a liquid supplied through an emitter (usually a glass or metallic capillary). Ideally the liquid reaching the emitter tip forms a Taylor cone, which emits a liquid jet through its apex.
Mass spectrometryAnalytical technique based on determining mass to charge ratio of ionsMass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique that is used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. The results are presented as a mass spectrum, a plot of intensity as a function of the mass-to-charge ratio.
Tandem mass spectrometryTandem mass spectrometry, also known as MS/MS or MS2, is a technique in instrumental analysis where two or more stages of analysis using one or more mass analyzers are performed with an additional reaction step in between these analyses to increase their abilities to analyse chemical samples. A common use of tandem MS is the analysis of biomolecules, such as proteins and peptides.
Lidia GallLidia Nikolaevna Gall (Russian: Лидия Николаевна Галль; néeLoginova (Логинова); 1 September 1934 – 21 October 2023) was a Russian mass spectrometrist, credited as one of the inventors for electrospray ionization source and high-performance mass analyzers. Life and careerGall studied physical electronics at Leningrad Polytechnic Institute and graduated in 1957. After graduation, she conducted research at the Leningrad Special Design Department.
Koichi TanakaKoichi Tanaka (田中 耕一, Tanaka Kōichi; born August 3, 1959) is a Japanese electrical engineer who shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2002 for developing a novel method for mass spectrometric analyses of biological macromolecules with John Bennett Fenn and Kurt Wüthrich (the latter for work in NMR spectroscopy). Early life and educationTanaka was born and raised in Toyama, Japan, his biological mother died one month after he was born.
AerosolAn aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. Aerosols can be generated from natural or human causes. The scientific term aerosol refers to the system consisting of particles in gas, and not to the particulate matter alone.
Nobel Prize in ChemistryThe Nobel Prize in Chemistry is awarded annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to scientists in the various fields of chemistry. It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895, awarded for outstanding contributions in chemistry, physics, literature, peace, and physiology or medicine.
MacromoleculeA macromolecule is a "molecule of high relative molecular mass, the structure of which essentially comprises the multiple repetition of units derived, actually or conceptually, from molecules of low relative molecular mass." Polymers, which are often used in many consumer goods, are examples of macromolecules. Common macromolecules are biopolymers (RNA and DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates), polyolefins (polyethylene) and polyamides (nylon).Dalton (unit)The dalton (symbol: Da), or unified atomic mass unit (symbol: u), is a unit of mass defined as 1/12 of the mass of an unbound neutral atom of carbon-12 in its nuclear and electronic ground state and at rest. The word "unified" emphasizes that the definition was jointly accepted by physics (IUPAP) and chemistry (IUPAC) organizations. The atomic mass constant, denoted mu, is an atomic-scale reference mass, defined identically, but it is not a unit of mass.
John B. FennJohn Bennett Fenn (June 15, 1917 – December 10, 2010) was an American analytical chemist who was awarded a share of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2002, sharing half of the award with Koichi Tanaka for their work in mass spectrometry (the other half went to Kurt Wüthrich). His contributions related to the development of electrospray ionization, now a commonly used technique for large molecules and routine liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Science History InstituteThe Science History Institute is an institution that preserves and promotes understanding of the history of science. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it includes a library, museum, archive, research center and conference center. It was founded in 1982 as a joint venture of the American Chemical Society and the University of Pennsylvania, as the Center for the History of Chemistry (CHOC). The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) became a co-founder in 1984.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.