QB3/Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility at UC Berkeley

Site Directory:

• Location, Hours, and Contact Information
• How to Submit Samples
• Sample Preparation Guidelines
• Air Sensitive Samples
• Ionization Techniques
• High-resolution Analysis
• Open Access Instruments
• Acknowledgement and Co-authorship
• Useful Links

About the Facility

Mass spectrometry, an instrumental approach that allows for the mass measurement of ions derived from molecules, is a powerful analytical technique that can be used to identify unknown compounds and elucidate the structural and chemical properties of molecules. Additionally it is a central analytical technique for protein research and for the study of biomolecules in general. Mass spectrometry is used to detect and identify illegitimate steroids in athletes, identify structures of biomolecules such as carbohydrates and nucleic acids, sequence biopolymers such as proteins and oligosaccharides, determine how drugs are used by the body, and identify and quantify components of complex organic or biological mixtures. A more detailed description of mass spectrometry can be found here.

The combined QB3/Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility at UC Berkeley features state-of-the-art mass spectrometers that are capable of analyzing a wide variety of samples. The facility provides routine acquisition of mass spectra and accurate mass measurements of biological, organic and inorganic compounds, as well as mass measurements of intact proteins, lipids, oligosaccharides, and non-covalent protein-protein and protein-ligand complexes and supramolecular coordination clusters. The facility also provides advanced proteomics analysis. This involves protein identification using mass spectral data as well as identification of posttranslational modifications. The facility operates an open access (24 hours/day, 7 days/week) laboratory available to trained users. The open access laboratory features GC/MS, LC/MS, and MALDI- TOF instruments.

The QB3/Chemistry Mass Spectrometry Facility is available to all researchers on the UC Berkeley campus as well as other UC campuses. The facility can accept samples from outside the University in certain cases. However, the University of California is a nonprofit organization and as such does not compete with private industry. Before contacting us, researchers not affiliated with UC are encouraged to seek services from a commercial laboratory. For information regarding this policy or sample analysis, please contact Dr. Ulla Andersen, norklit@berkeley.edu.