An IC-ICP-MS for advanced speciation and metalomics analysis

The broad, long-term objective of this proposal is to better understand the inorganic signatures of life and the fundamental interaction of metals in biology that underlie metal homeostasis and human diseases as well as improving metal-based cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. There is currently one, 7 year old ICP-MS system at Northwestern University whose detection limits are hindering advanced metallomics and bioinorganic research. Funds are requested for the purchase of an IC-ICP-MS that will play a vital role in supporting basic and preclinical research activities from multiple NIH-funded and Investigator-Initiated Projects at Northwestern University. As a shared resource, the proposed instrumentation will also support NIH-funded projects from other institutions including, but not limited to, the current members of the Chicago Biomedical Consortium Open-Access Initiative (the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois at Chicago). The analysis capabilities offered by the new ICP-MS will enable measurements that are otherwise difficult or impossible to obtain using our current instrumentation increasing sensitivity and detection limits for most inorganic elements up to 100-fold. The IC-ICP-MS will also allow seamless speciation and laser ablation to truly begin to map the metallome and further understanding of the fundamental properties of metals in biology. The availability of this system will also foster new collaborations and spur instrumentation and application development. IC-ICP-MS analysis will benefit current research projects in advanced molecular imaging, biomarker development, oocyte maturation, nanoparticle design, and clinical research. Overall, techniques offered by the IC-ICP-MS system will enable ultra-trace, quantitative speciation and metal analysis that addresses the technological needs of our current user base and enhances the advancements of a wide range of biomedical research projects. To accommodate this instrument, the University has made concrete commitments in terms of financial support, analytical expertise, management, operational staff and infrastructure. The IC-ICP-MS will become an important component in the Quantitative Bio-element Imaging Core (QBIC) and the Chemistry of Life Processes Institute at Northwestern University.