Source: UNIV OF IDAHO submitted to NRP
DIRECT ANALYSIS IN REAL TIME MASS SPECTROMETRY – A VERSATILE AND POWERFUL TOOL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1029375
Grant No.
2022-70410-38575
Cumulative Award Amt.
$274,000.00
Proposal No.
2022-06327
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 15, 2022
Project End Date
Sep 14, 2026
Grant Year
2022
Program Code
[EGP]- Equipment Grants Program
Recipient Organization
UNIV OF IDAHO
875 PERIMETER DRIVE
MOSCOW,ID 83844-9803
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The objective of this proposal is to acquire Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometer (DART-MS) for environmental research, training, and outreach at the University of Idaho. Mass spectrometry is one of the key analytical methods used to identify and characterize small quantities of chemical species in complex samples. DART-MS is a new generation of atmospheric pressure ion source that allows the analysis of solid, liquid and/or gaseous samples at atmospheric pressure and ground potential by simply placing the sample between the DART ion source and the mass spectrometer. No solvents or sample preparation are required, and samples can be directly analyzed on surfaces such as plants, tissues, food, and pills. This highly sensitive technique allows identification and quantification of molecules in a complex mixtures. The acquisition of the instrument will strengthen the research infrastructure at the University of Idaho. DART-MS will significantly improve the capabilities of large volume sampling and identification of organic compounds in environmental and life science programs at the University of Idaho and will provide strong, synergistic impact on multiple research areas. Specifically, the proposed instrument will be a great asset to the University of Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, College of Natural Resources, College of Engineering, and Mass Spectrometry Core. The instrument will also broaden participation by involving diverse groups of students in research and research training using this modern analytical technique.
Animal Health Component
50%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1020110200050%
1022499200050%
Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships;

Subject Of Investigation
0110 - Soil; 2499 - Plant research, general;

Field Of Science
2000 - Chemistry;
Goals / Objectives
The objective of this proposal is to improve analytical instrumentation capabilities for environmental and agricultural research at the University of Idaho (UI) by acquiring a Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometer (DART MS). The proposed instrument, JEOL AccuTOF-DART 4G is an atmospheric pressure ionization, high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer that represents a significant breakthrough in mass spectrometry allowing the analysis of solid, liquid or gaseous samples at atmospheric pressure and ground potential simply by placing a sample between the DART ion source and the mass spectrometer.
Project Methods
The instrument will be installed in the Biogeochemistry Core Facility at the UI Integrated Research and Innovation Center (IRIC), a world-class facility for interdisciplinary research and discovery that has a full-time manager with responsibilities to maintain uninterrupted operation of the facilitates including power supplies stability and exhaust systems. The IRIC at UI, where the instrument will be housed, has all the necessary infrastructure for installation of DART MS including the bench space, high voltage outlets, high pressure outlets, and exhaust systems. The location of the DART MS will be fully accessible to trained users across the campus and the open space design of IRIC will encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary research. The instrument will be acquired as soon as funding becomes available. After instrument training by primary users, additional training sessions will be organized for a broader audience.

Progress 09/15/23 to 09/14/24

Outputs
Target Audience:This project is an instrument grant, used to procure an analytical system for various applications in the agricultural sciences at the University of Idaho. In that sense, the target instrument is all the users and potential users of the instrument at the university. Indirectly, the target audience may be the citizens benefitting from research conducted with this instrument. Changes/Problems:A compressor for the instrument failed in June of 2024. We utilized a small portion of the projectfunding, $6000, to replace that compressor. It has been installed and is working so the instrument is again usable as of this November (2024). This did not prevent the planned purchase of the remaining instrument and components, What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Students in the research programs utilizing the instrument were educated concerning its capabilities and theory of operation. Some were involved in method development. One student worked with the operator to refine a method for coupling this instrument with simple thin layer chromatography to identify floral pigments. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Email communications to user group to inform them of instrument status and opportunities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?With acquisition of the three components, we will inform the user community of its increased performance capabilities and invite users. At this stage in the project, there may be published outputs from users that were based upon data acquired using this instrument. We will solicity these users for reporting as part of the final report for this project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In this reporting year, the instrument was acquired and installed at the University of Idaho. Trainings were conducted for potential users. A technical support person hired in part to manage this instrument received training at an in-person workshop held by the manufacturer, JEOL. Several projects at the university utilized the instrument. The samples processed are described below. Sample Name , Sample Number, College / Department/, Property, Project Name, Operator Mint leaves, 4, Soil and Water Systems (SWS), leaves, Mint leaf extraction, Baset Plant , 2, Soil and Water Systems (SWS), Powder, Plant extraction, Base Frankincense Resin, 1, Soil and Water Systems (SWS), Solid, DCM extract of Frankincense Resin, Baset thyme leaves, 2, Soil and Water Systems (SWS), leaves, Efficacy of Different Solvents in the Extraction of Thyme, Baset Truffle , 2, College of Natural Resources (CNR), Solid, EtOH extract from the truffle, Baset Venezuela crude, 1, College of Natural Resources (CNR), Liquid , Venezuela crude, Baset Texas crude, 1, College of Natural Resources (CNR), Liquid , Texas crude, Baset Glucoraphanin, 2, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Liquid,Extracellular Vesicles, Baset Analysis continues on behalf of other projects. In this reporting year, with remaining funds, three instrument components were purchased to enhance performance and flexibility of the instrument, specifically: MS-PAPERSPRAY: PAPERSPRAY ATMOSPHERIC ION SOURCE ABCDEF5200-22: Powervar, 5.2 kVA, 200-208V UPS MSIR04: IonRocket temperature gradient system for DART-MS

Publications


    Progress 09/15/22 to 09/14/23

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The instrument will serve several programs at the University of Idaho working on aspects of agricultural and forest systems, agronomy, and plant protection. Thus, the target audience consists of the diverse stakeholders who will benefit from the research it supports. Changes/Problems:As noted, an unexpected delay in procurement of the DART instrument occurred because of supply chain issues affecting the manufacturer, JEOL. In effect this has pushed back expected timeline by effectively 6 to 8 months. As the project progresses and use patterns emerge, we will consider requesting a no-cost extension. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho has approved funding for a Research Associate to run and maintain a number of analytical instruments, most of which involve mass spectrometry. The instrument being purchased with this award will be assigned to this new employee. Training opportunities will follow. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The instrument will be installed soon after delivery on Sept. 6, 2023. When its operation is confirmed, availability will be communicated to the faculty members and scientists included on the proposal as its first user base and a calendar established. We expect to have several results to report at the end of the next reporting period.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The plans for this project have been delayed because the instrument was placed on backorder, despite being ordered soon after award procurement. Delivery to the University of Idaho, Moscow campus is set for Sept. 6, 2023.

    Publications