The High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) system by Bruker Scientific is cutting-edge equipment used for accurate molecular analysis. Equipped with advanced CryoSpray technology and an Elute Plus UHPLC system, it ensures high precision and sensitivity for a wide range of applications, from small molecule identification to complex proteomics. This system is integral to research that demands detailed molecular characterization and supports diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and material sciences. Its robust design and advanced functionality make it an invaluable tool for academic and industrial research environments.

Sample Submission and Analysis Guidelines for Users

1. General Sample Preparation Requirements

(i) No sample preparation will be performed in the Facility.

(ii) Samples must be provided in their final analysis-ready form, without requiring any additional processing.

(iii) All samples must be prepared in LC–MS–grade solvents only.

(iv) If crude samples are submitted, this must be clearly indicated. Pre-treatment: Centrifugation and/or filtration will be required prior to analysis.

(v) Samples may be submitted in solution or solid/powder form, with a minimum quantity of 1 mg or 1 mg/mL.

2. Compatible and Non-Compatible Reagents

(i). Compatible solvents for work-up and purification include the following:

Water, ammonium hydrocarbonate, ammonium acetate, ammonium formate, 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid, 0.2% formic acid, methanol, acetonitrile, ethanol, etc.

Users must avoid non-volatile agents such as:

• Inorganic salts (NaCl, CaCl₂, KH₂PO₄)

• Detergents (Tween, Triton, SDS)

• Chaotropic agents (Urea, Guanidinium salts)

• Non-volatile solvents (DMSO, DMF, Glycerol)

If these agents cannot be avoided, the sample must be purified before submission. Recommended purification methods include the following:

• Dialysis

• ZipTip cleanup

• RP-HPLC

• Ion-exchange beads for salt removal

• Lyophilization after purification (recommended)

3. Required Information to Be Submitted with the Sample:

Users are advised to provide the following details along with each sample:

• Sample Type: Small molecule, metabolite, peptide, or intact protein

• For Peptide Mass Fingerprinting (PMF): Submit digested protein samples only

• Solubility Information: Solvent used for LC–MS (methanol, acetonitrile, water, or solvent mixture ratio)

• Expected Mass Range

• Reference Publication (if applicable)

• Sample Concentration

• Sample Storage Buffer and Storage Temperature

• Non-volatile Additives: Specify additive compound and its percentage

• For Proteomics Samples: Provide organism (genus and species), staining method, sample complexity, digestion enzyme(s), and other relevant details.

4. Direct MS/MS Analysis Suitability

• Only high-purity samples with very low mass complexity (single compound or mixture of up to two molecular species) are suitable for Direct MS/MS analysis.

5. Sample and Data Retention Policy

• Samples will be discarded one week after the analytical data has been communicated to the user.

• The facility does not guarantee long-term data storage.

• Data will be retained for a maximum of two years on the operating computer and will then be deleted without prior notification.