# A MALDI-QTOF for Biomolecular Spatial Phenotyping

> **NIH NIH S10** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2024 · $719,477

## Abstract

Project Abstract
 Funding is requested to acquire a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer for MALDI Imaging
Mass Spectrometry (MALDI IMS) in support of multiple NIH-funded programs at UC Irvine. The
instrument is based on a AP-MALDI-QTOF design optimized for imaging by high-speed, high
resolution acquisition of mass spectra from raster laser scanning of matrix-coated 2D specimens.
MALDI IMS provides a proven technique capability of retaining spatial information alongside high
dimensional ion mass detection. Supported projects originate from researchers in the Schools of
Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Medicine and Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical
Sciences. The instrument will, therefore, be truly a shared inter-disciplinary resource. Projects of
the major users include, 1) neuropathological proteins and lipid phenotyping in Alzheimer’s
disease models, 2) investigating metabolic heterogeneity in tumors, 3) evalauting ECM
composition of engineered cartilage, 4) defining age/environmental changes of lens cyrstallins, 5)
spatial plant metabolomics and 5) assessing lipid/protein distributions in dry eye syndrome. All
the projects are pursuant of highly defined goals where the spatial organization of biomolecules
(metabolites, lipids, peptides/proteins) is a critical component for understanding the molecular
organization and function or dysfunction of tissues.
 For optimal access, maintenance and expert operational support, the instrument will be placed
in UCI’s Mass Spectrometry Core Facility. UCI has long supported the MSF with permanent
funding for full-time facility staff members: a PhD-level director with >30 years experience as a
multidisciplinary research scientist, complemented by a proteomics specialist with expertise in
MALDI and LC-MS techniques, and an instrument operator. Normal facility operational funds are
obtained though a well established stable recharge system. Additional extended service support
is provided through pledged institutional funds. All 20 instruments in the Facility are intensively
used, particularly for small molecule analysis, top down proteomics and metabolomics with most
available 24/7 as walk-up open access instruments. In fiscal year 2021-2022 the facility analyzed
>35K samples by 300 users, with many users receiving advanced instrument training. The
MALDI-IMS instrument will be run as a staff-operated service but also made accessible to
qualified trained users to maintain a high sample throughput and maximum use. The research
outlined in the proposal highlights an urgent need for an advanced but user-friendly instrument
that is not currently available at UCI; a fast MALDI-QTOF IMS system for high quality biomolecular
spatial phenotyping.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10854491
- **Project number:** 1S10OD034422-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** FELIX GRUN
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $719,477
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-15 → 2025-06-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10854491

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10854491, A MALDI-QTOF for Biomolecular Spatial Phenotyping (1S10OD034422-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10854491. Licensed CC0.

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