EMU: Acquisition of Mass Spectrometers for Integrative Omic Sciences in Environmental Chemistry, Health, Sustainable Chemistry, and Agricultural Technologies

• Grant number: 23/16649-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda
• Grantee: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alessandra Sussulini ; Ana Valéria Colnaghi Simionato ; Cassiana Carolina Montagner ; Leandro Wang Hantao ; Taicia Pacheco Fill

Abstract

Mass spectrometry, a powerful analytical tool, enables the precise characterization and quantification of various chemical species, even in complex samples. Widely adopted in areas such as biomedical sciences, environmental chemistry, agricultural technologies, and sustainable development, this technique is essential for cutting-edge research. However, the Institutional Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (LIEM) at the Institute of Chemistry of Unicamp faces challenges of obsolescence in its equipment, both in terms of instrumentation and analytics.This project proposes the modernization of LIEM through the acquisition of two advanced mass spectrometers: one with high resolution for structural characterizations of biomolecules and another sequential one for the quantification of biomolecules at low concentrations. Both instruments will be integrated with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems, enabling effective separation of biomolecules in complex samples and expanding possibilities for multidisciplinary and advanced research.This proposal is crucial to ensure the continuity of research dependent on these instruments, as current equipment does not meet the technical requirements for competitive research at the forefront of knowledge. Additionally, it addresses the efficient allocation of resources by reserving existing instruments for conventional users, while the new ones will be dedicated to specialists requiring non-conventional configurations. This will reduce setup times between different users, optimizing the use of the institutional facility and ensuring broader and more suitable access to the academic community.The non-renewal of this infrastructure poses a substantial risk to ongoing research at the Institute of Chemistry, much of which is funded by federal and state agencies such as CNPq and FAPESP. Furthermore, the Unit maintains strategic agreements with companies in the Campinas region, a significant technological center, underscoring the importance of renewal to preserve partnerships and contribute to scientific and technological advancement. (AU)