With usage of mass spectrometry continually expanding, an increasing number of scientists, technicians, students, and physicians are coming into contact with this valuable technique. Mass spectrometry has many uses, both qualitative and quantitative, from analyzing simple gases to environmental contaminants, pharmaceuticals, and complex biopolymers. The extraordinary versatility can make mass spectrometers daunting to novices. Consequently, new users would benefit greatly from an understanding of the basic concepts as well as the processes that occur in these instruments. Mass Spectrometry for the Novice provides exactly that, with detailed, straightforward descriptions and clear illustrations of principles of operations and techniques.
The book begins with an overview that includes essential definitions and then provides information on the components of and the strategies used in the most common instruments. The authors discuss the methodologies available, classes of compounds analyzed, and the types of data that can be generated. A group of representative applications from published articles is summarized, demonstrating the diversity of mass spectrometry. The authors also condense the essentials of the topic into one invaluable chapter that provides a set of concise take-home messages on all aspects of mass spectrometry. The final section provides a collection of resources including books, reviews, and useful websites.
Using simple language, new color figures, clever cartoons, and assuming no prior knowledge, this book provides a readily understandable entrée to mass spectrometry. Downloadable resources with selected figures and cartoons is included.
An Overview
A Brief History
Definitions Concerning Instruments, Mass, m/z, and Ions
Components of Instrument and Their Functions
Definitions Concerning Instrument Performance
Definitions Concerning Applications
Information from Mass Spectra
Diversity and Scope of Applications
Instrumentation
Sample Introduction
Ion Sources and Methods of Ionization
Mass Analyzers
Ion Current Detectors
Vacuum Systems
Data Systems
Methodologies and Strategies
Measures of Instrument Performance
Interpretation of Mass Spectra
Analytical Techniques and Strategies
Omics
Biopolymers
Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Bioinformatics
Buying a Mass Spectrometer
Examples from Representative Publications
An Open-Access Mass Spectrometry Facility
Environmental: Organochlorines in Fish
Environmental: Pharmaceuticals in Surface and Wastewaters
Pharmacology: Lipitor Metabolism
New Techniques: Paper Spray of Pharmaceuticals
Petroleomics: Crude Oil Characterization
Metabolomics: Disease Markers for a Tropical Disease
Metabolomics: Chemical Defense
Lipidomics: Coronary Artery Disease
Proteomics: Protein Identification in a Painting
Proteomics: Protein Identification and Metastasis
Proteomics: Noncovalent Interactions
Tissue Imaging
The Absolute Essentials
General
Instrument Components
Performance Parameters
Techniques and Strategies
Resources
Books, Journals, Review Articles, Classical Publications
Major Instrument Manufacturers
Mass Spectrometry Societies, Blogs, and Discussion Groups
The Mass Spectrometrist and the Internet
Biography
John Greaves is director of the Mass Spectrometry Facility in the Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine. He received his BSc in zoology and genetics from Leeds University in 1975 and a PhD, on the pharmacology of the antimalarial Primaqiune, from Liverpool University/Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in 1979. On moving to the United States, he spent five years at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and seven years at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, where he was involved with cancer and environmental research, respectively. He moved to the University of California, Irvine in 1992 where he has been particularly interested in the use of open access mass spectrometry to enable scientists lacking experience in the technique facilitate their research by obtaining mass spectrometric data rapidly, on a 24/7 basis. He has more than 80 publications.
John Roboz is a professor in the Department of Medicine (Div. Hematology/Medical Oncology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. He holds a BS degree (1955) from Eotvos University, Budapest, Hungary, and MS (1960) and PhD (1962) degrees in physical chemistry from New York University. In 1969, he joined the Mount Sinai School of Medicine as an associate professor and became a professor in 1980. His research interests have been the development of mass spectrometric techniques for new antineoplastic agents and their application in collaborative studies with basic scientists and clinicians. Dr. Roboz has more than 135 publications. His first book, Introduction to Mass Spectrometry: Instrumentation and Techniques (Wiley, 1968) was reprinted in 2000 by the American Society for Mass Spectrometry in the Classic Works in Mass Spectrometry series. His second book, in 2002, Mass Spectrometry in Cancer Research (CRC Press), won a commendation award from the British Medical Association.