Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry

Using High-Performance Mass Spectrometry to Characterize Biomolecules in Complex Biological Systems

Researchers in the Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory specialize in the development and application of advanced mass spectrometry techniques to comprehensively characterize biomolecules within complex biological systems. Utilizing high-performance analytical instrumentation, the team addresses significant scientific challenges relevant to various research initiatives funded by the Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health.

The group’s interdisciplinary research approach integrates technology innovation, specialized method development, and advanced informatics to thoroughly characterize biomolecules. The group places particular emphasis on the highly sensitive detection and precise characterization of proteins, lipids, and metabolites, providing critical insights into biological function and regulation.

Expertise is concentrated in two key areas:

Chemical imaging by mass spectrometry: This research area focuses on enhancing the sensitivity and spatial resolution capabilities of mass spectrometry-based chemical imaging. The aim is to precisely visualize and quantify small biomolecules, particularly metabolites, within biological samples. Scientists continually advance in-situ characterization methods within microfluidic devices and develop sensitive miniaturized probe sampling techniques, enabling detailed single-cell metabolomics and microscale biological analysis.

Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) for complex biological systems: Work in LC/MS involves extensive collaborative efforts with bioscientists to custom-design and implement sophisticated LC-MS/MS methodologies. These advanced analytical approaches allow researchers to perform comprehensive characterizations of proteomes, lipidomes, and metabolomes across diverse microbial and plant systems, including complex microbiome environments. The team executes integrated 'omics measurement strategies to understand biological processes at a comprehensive, systems level.

The group maintains and operates a wide range of state-of-the-art mass spectrometric instrumentation, supported by advanced sample preparation facilities and dedicated instrumentation laboratories. Through ongoing method development and collaboration, researchers continue to advance biomolecular analysis, generating valuable data that deepens understanding of biological mechanisms and systems biology.