Ion mobility (IM) is a perfect instrumental platform for slowing and separating peptide ions-this innovation has enabled efficient VUV photofragmentation (IM-oTOFMS/MS) to be demonstrated in phase I. VUV photofragmentation yields a near perfect technology for """"""""on demand"""""""" structural fragment ion analysis of complex peptide mixtures especially when combined with the proven capability of IM to distinguish phosphorylated vs. unphosphorylated peptides. In addition, recent internally funded research at lonwerks [34-37] has rather unexpectedly proved the efficacy of incorporating nanoparticulate MALDI matrices into the near surface of biotissues. Recently, lonwerks publications [34-40] and patents [41-44] have established a new approach to molecular microprobe imaging of biotissue surfaces. Thus, the simplification of complex laser microprobe molecular ion spectra from particulate treated biosurfaces is another application which will also benefit from the combination of ion mobility separation followed with on demand photofragmentation structural analysis. Phase II will develop unique IM-oTOFMS/MS hardware using patented multi-pixel position sensitive detectors in a specially designed oTOFMS. Enhanced mass and mobility resolution as well as photofragment MS of this instrument will be tested for applications in proteomics and tissue imaging. Commercialization depends on showing that only IMS-oTOFMS/MS can perform these applications.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44RR017139-02
Application #
6994041
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BCMB-M (10))
Program Officer
Sheeley, Douglas
Project Start
2002-03-01
Project End
2007-08-31
Budget Start
2005-09-30
Budget End
2006-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$490,491
Indirect Cost
Name
Ionwerks, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
154074553
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77002