Optimizing UV-MALDI-MS, direct IR-LDI-MS, and ToF-SIMS/Laser-SNMS technologies for combined molecular imaging of bioactive lipids and other biomolecules

Basic data for this project

Description

We propose to combine our expertise on IR-LDI/UV-MALDI mass spectrometry, ToF-SIMS/Laser- SNMS technologies, and on lipidomics to set up an interdisciplinary, interfaculty mass spectrometry bioimaging platform. We jointly apply for funds for a state-of-the-art MALDI ion mobility mass spectrometer and novel SIMS components, both being currently not available at WWU Münster. The proposed instrumentation will be utilized for (1) method improvement and development of refined methodologies for UV-/IR-LDI, UV-MALDI MS, and ToF-SIMS/Laser-SNMS imaging, and (2) for the combined complementary use of these technologies for label-free imaging of lipids and other biomolecules. The biomedical research focus will be on the study of bioactive lipids in cell dynamics and disease. We will capitalize highly on the excellent research environment and network that is available at WWU and the Medical School including non-MS based molecular imaging centers.