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BIOCOMPLEXITY EQUIPMENT
SDSU
Equipment Bookmark
SDSM&T Equipment
Bookmark
USD Equipment Bookmark
Waters ZQ Liquid
Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS) with MassLynx 4.0 software
The ZQ is a single
quadrupole,
benchtop mass spectrometric detector. It is used to analyze liquid
samples for low level (ppb) amounts of nonvolatile chemicals including
(but not limited to) herbicides, pesticides, and antibacterial agents.
 "At
present, we have obtained a competitive SDSU Ag Experiment station
research to examine antibacterials and nonvolatile herbicides (2,4-D)
in the environment. We could not have done the research without the
LC/MS. We are currently working on a larger proposal for the USDA
National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program in the same
topic area, now that we have some data for the proof-of-concept."
Contact: Dr. Sharon Clay
Professor - Weed Science
SDSU Plant Science Dept.
P.O. Box 2140C
Brookings, SD 57007
sharon.clay@sdstate.edu
Phone 605-688-4757
Fax 605-688-4452
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Ionicon Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass-Spectrometer (PTR-MS)
[file:///C:/Documents and Settings/sdsu.biocomplexity/My Documents/My Webs/photogallery/photo12012/real.htm]
Proton-transfer-reaction mass spectroscopy (PTR-MS) is a type of
chemical ionization mass spectroscopy that allows the analysis of any
volatile gas phase compound that has a proton affinity greater than
that of water. Practically speaking, this includes most trace
compounds in air, but excludes major components such as nitrogen,
oxygen, water, argon, carbon dioxide, and methane, that would
otherwise act as major interference compounds. The PTR-MS instrument
is extremely sensitive and can detect concentrations of trace gases of
less than one part per billion by volume at sampling rates less than
one second per measurement. This makes the PTR-MS an ideal tool for
measuring the exchange of trace gases between the Earth's surface and
the atmosphere, and for studying the kinetics of biological processes
that produce volatile products; including the study of plant volatiles
and human breath analysis. The PTR-MS has been used at SDSM&T
primarily for measuring trace gas fluxes above forest canopies. The
instrument has been deployed to three different field locations
including an agricultural grassland (NSF award
#ATM-0131785), a
southeastern (US) pine forest, and the Black Hills. The PTR-MS is used
in the laboratory to investigate volatile compounds produced by cut or
wounded vegetation.
"The PTR-MS has been an integral part of the research effort of the
Analytical Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory at SDSM&T. The capability
that the PTR-MS gives to our laboratory has helped Dr. Brad Baker
receive an NSF CAREER award, and the PTR-MS has been leveraged in
additional pending research proposals."
Shared Use Policy:
The PTR-MS is a relatively delicate instrument that requires a
dedicated, well-trained operator with experience in modern mass
spectroscopy, the construction of quadrupole mass spectrometers, and
trace-level analytical chemistry. We welcome opportunities for
collaborative research projects in biocomplexity and environmental
sciences that might utilize the novel performance features of this PTR-MS.
Contact: Dr. Bradly Baker
Assistant Professor
Brad.Baker@sdsmt.edu
Phone: (605) 394-6997
Fax: (605) 394-5360
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
501 East Saint Joseph St.
Rapid City, SD 57701-3995
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Genetic Analyzers for University of South
Dakota Evolutionary Genetics Research Group
A Genetic Analysis system capable of both fully automated DNA
sequencing and genetic fragment analysis and a high-speed
plate-spinning refrigerated centrifuge was purchased through a grant
from NSF (award
#DBI-0216473), with cost-sharing provided by USDês
Office of Research through Biocomplexity funds. Principal Investigator
Molly Nepokroeff and co-principal investigators Hugh Britten, John
Swallow, and Kaius Helenurm submitted the successful proposal to NSF's
Major Research Instrumentation program. This instrumentation fulfills
a number of research needs among the USD Biology and Basic Sciences
faculty, including the identification and analysis of microsatellite
loci, analysis of AFLP fragments and DNA sequencing. The automated
genetic analysis system uses a fluorescent-based dye technology. This
technology, coupled with omitting the need for polyacrylamide gels (as
in early models of automated sequencers) and moderate to
high-throughput performance (96 sequences can be run in 24 hours),
allows faculty researchers and students to complete projects in a safe
and efficient manner. These instruments have provided an essential
next step in conducting research and training students in molecular
biology at USD. This grant has made a significant impact on creating
and maintaining an active research environment at USD, and has
provided graduate and undergraduate student research experiences at
USD comparable to those available at top research institutions.
Obtaining this instrumentation has enhanced USD's ability to attract
new graduate students and faculty and greatly contributes to overall
research programs at USD.
"This equipment has enabled me to involve four undergraduate
researchers, a masters student and a postdoctoral fellow in molecular
systematics research. I have collected data for two manuscripts in
preparation and have presented data at several national meetings,
involving student participation. I am preparing to submit a research
proposal to NSF this year using preliminary data collected entirely on
the genetic analysis equipment. The equipment has also been used in
one semester course which I taught, on DNA Sequencing Methods, a
course which will become part of a new curriculum for a planned
graduate program in Bioinformatics at USD."
Contact: Dr. Molly Nepokroeff
Assistant Professor
mnepokro@usd.edu
Phone: (605) 677-5211
Department of Biology
177 Churchill-Haines Laboratories
University of South Dakota
Vermillion SD 57069
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