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Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics & Metabolomics Core

Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics & Metabolomics Core


Welcome to the University of Oklahoma Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics & Metabolomics (MSPM) Core Facility. We are located in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center on the Research Campus in South Norman.

The OU MSPM Core Facility operates, maintains and services numerous mass spectrometers and ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatographs (UHPLC). The facility provides a broad range of services including: for-fee sample analysis, user-run open-access instrumentation, teaching, education, consulting, and collaborative research projects.

Instrumentation

Triple Quadrupole MS (2023)

Sciex 6500+ QQQ mass spectrometer that includes Shimadzu LC-40D HPLC and refrigerated autosampler. The system is designed to do targeted and quantitative analysis. Superior signal-to-noise and LOQ with up to 6 orders of linear dynamic range. High throughput with polarity switching and mass range up to 2000 m/z.

Applications: Targeted Metabolomics, Lipidomics and Proteomics

UHPLC / Q-TOF MS (2016)

Consists of an Agilent 6545 high-mass-resolution Q-TOF mass spectrometer and an Agilent 1290 UPLC (1200 bar). The Mass Hunter data-control system includes qualitative and quantitative analysis as well as advanced metabolomics software, Mass Profiler Pro. The ultra-high mass resolution and UPLC allows for the separation of more than 1,000 compounds in a single LC/MS run. This system includes Agilent Rapid Fire 365 high-throughput automated sample prep robotics. 
Applications: Metabolomics

(2) GC / quadrupole MS (2018 & 2019)

Agilent 6890N gas chromatograph (GC) with an Agilent 5973 Mass Selective Detector (MSD) and electron impact (EI) ion source. This is specific for volatile compounds and gases from 20-600 mass, notably benzenes, alcohols and aromatics. It is often used in toxicology, pesticide analysis and the oil & gas industry. 
Applications: Volatile Molecules

Orbitrap High-Resolution MS (2020)

The Thermo Scientific Orbitrap HF-X Hybrid MS with nano UHPLC excels at the most challenging proteomic applications, including high-throughput bottom-up (peptide-based) protein identification, low-abundant PTM analysis, label-free quantitation, and intact protein characterization. 
Applications: Proteomics

ICP MS with Laser Ablation (2018)

PerkinElmer NexION2000 Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)-MS with Single Cell analysis capability, Elemental Scientific Inc (ESI) - New Wave Research 213 nm Laser Ablation system and ESI prepFAST IC automation with integrated autosampler and LC capability. This system is ideal for analysis of metals in soil, rock surface, bird feathers, bones, plants and single cell biomedical applications. 
Applications: Elemental Trace Metals

UHPLC / Ion Mobility / Q-TOF MS (2017)

Comprised of a Waters SYNAPT G2-Si Q-TOF/MS and a Waters M-Class chromatography system that can be set up as micro-flow UHPLC or nano-LC. With the new technology of high-efficiency T-Wave ion mobility, we can obtain an additional dimension of separation based on molecular size and shape. The wide range of benefits feature: isomer separation, elimination of interferences, generation of cleaner spectra and the ability to better confirm compound ID. 

Applications: Metabolomics and Proteomics

Miscellaneous Support Instruments

  • Leitz Wetzlar SM-LUX Binocular Head Laboratory Microscope includes transmitted and reflected light base, 6V 5W halogen light source, mechanical stage, and field iris diaphragm. Comes complete with five magnification options: 4x / 10x / 25x / 40x /100x. 
  • Unitron ZSB Zoom Stereo Binocular microscope with a parfocal twin-zooming objective system; 0.7x through 4.5x magnification that provides a large flat field of view with high resolution. The zoom ratio of 6.5:1 gave a total magnification capability of 3.5x to 180x.
  • Eppendorf 5430 Desktop Micro-Centrifuge.
  • Savant SVC-100H Speed-Vac Concentrator.
  • Organomation Associates 113 Automatic Analytical Evaporation System.
  • Precision Scientific Reciprocal Variable-Temperature Shaking Bath.
  • Precision Scientific Thelco Oven (Model 15).
  • Lab Line Imperial II Incubator (Model 200).

Pricing

Proteomics

Proteomics Core Servce Fees (pdf)

For questions about Proteomics pricing, please contact Dr. Nagib Ahsan, (405) 325-2852 or nahsan@ou.edu.

Metabolomics*

 Internal (all OU campuses)Academic (non OU)Commercial
Set up$130.00$195.00$325.00
Method Development/hour$70.00$105.00$175.00
Sample preparation $65.00$97.00$162.00
Sample preparation training/hour$120.00$180.00$300.00
Price per samples (direct injection), mass identification/confirmation$30.00$45.00$75.00
Instrument usage/hour$65.00$97.00$162.00
Data analysis/hour$70.00$105.00$175.00
Targeted Metabolomics/sample$80.00$120.00$200.00

*All metabolomics are done by the facility.


GC-MS

 Internal (all OU campuses)
Academic (non OU)Commercial
Set up$90.00$135.00$225.00
Sample preparation/hour$70.00$105.00$175.00
Sample derivatization/sample$10.00$15.00$25.00
Mass identification/sample (by Facility)$25.00$37.50$62.50
Instrument usage/hour (by Facility) $38.00$57.00$95.00
Data analysis/hour (by Facility) $70.00$105.00$175.00
Sample preparation training/hour$120.00$180.00$300.00
Training for self-service usage$250.00$375.00$625.00
Self service usage/hour$20.00$30.00$50.00
Price/sample: self-service$15.00$22.50$37.50

ICP-MS

 Internal (all OU campuses)

Academic (non OU)Commercial
Set up$130.00$195.00$325.00
Method development/hour (by Facility)$70.00$105.00$175.00
Sample analysis/hour (by Facility)$60.00$90.00$150.00
Data analysis/hour (by Facility) $70.00$105.00$175.00
Training for self-service usage (1st time, as observer)$750.00$1,125.00N/A
Training for self-service usage (2nd time, as operator)$500.00$750.00N/A
Self-service usage/hour$45.00$67.50N/A

For additional questions about pricing, please contact Dr. Steven Foster, (405) 325-4749 or fosters@ou.edu

FAQ

(On Campus) The preferred method is to visit the MSPM Facility with your sample and log on to the computer Sample Submission Program. If you are a new user, you will have to get your name and information into the Access Program list of users. Once this is done you will have access to the ACCESS program. The main screen has directions for one to follow. Place your printed sheet in the appropriate box and your sample in the “IN” box or a disclosed place in the refrigerator or freezer (-20 or -80℃)

(Off Campus) If you are off campus and plan to mail your samples please contact Dr. Steven Foster or Dr. Nagib Ahsan for details. For maximum safety, please follow the University’s guidelines for mailing chemical samples.

*If you have non-routine samples you should contact us or come by the MSPM Facility (SLSRC 1300) for a consultation.*

(On-Campus) We no longer print hard copy data. All data is sent electronically. Leftovers of your submitted sample will be available in the “OUT” box or in the refrigerator if it is a temperature sensitive sample.

(Off-Campus) Your data will be sent electronically. It will not be interactive as proprietary software only allows data to be copied to Word or saved as a PDF. We will try to send appropriate spectra. If you have a specific spectra range or m/z that you want to see, please let us know.

*If you have any questions or need assistance please do not hesitate to ask, we are here to assist you with your research.*

We must have your account on file before any sample analysis can be done. After analysis has been finished you will be contacted by the Vice President of Research and Partnerships Office with an invoice for payment. 

We are typically open M-F, 8am-5pm, or can be reached by phone or email.

We are housed in the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center (SLSRC) which is located on the University of Oklahoma Research Campus in Norman, OK. The MSPM Core Facility is on the first floor in the NW corner, room 1300.

Acknowledgements

For publications and presentations that result from the services provided, please acknowledge the OU Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics & Metabolomics Core Facility, along with Dr. Steven Foster and/or Dr. Nagib Ahsan as appropriate.

Contact Information

Steven Foster
Steven Foster, Ph.D

Core Facility Director
University of Oklahoma
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center
101 Stephenson Parkway
Rm 1301
Norman, OK 73019
Phone: (405) 325-4749
Email: fosters@ou.edu

Nagib Ahsan
Nagib Ahsan, Ph.D.

Proteomics Director
Research Associate Professor
University of Oklahoma
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center
101 Stephenson Parkway
Rm 1701
Norman, OK 73019
Phone: (405) 325-2852
Email: nahsan@ou.edu