How to “Weigh” Molecules

This device measures the mass of individual molecules with exceptional precision, down to 0.001 atomic mass units. Known as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer and has arrived at the “Toso Montanari” Department of Industrial Chemistry of the University of Bologna, in the Navile district complex.

Funded through the Alma Attrezzature Call, the instrument operates by directing a high-powered laser onto a tiny crystal of the molecule to be analysed. This process generates a beam of ions that is then accelerated and analysed based on the “time of flight” (TOF) required to pass through a  7-metre-long tube under ultra-high vacuum conditions.

“MALDI-TOF technology allows for the precise measurement of molecular masses across a wide range of molecular weights, regardless of whether the compounds are solid or liquid”, explains Andrea Mazzanti, Professor at the “Toso Montanari” Department of Industrial Chemistry and Project Leader. “This instrument will therefore allow us to analyse small molecules of organic, inorganic and organometallic synthesis, all the way up to large molecules of both synthetic and biological origin, such as polymers and proteins”.

The arrival of the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer completes the equipment of high-resolution mass spectrometers installed in the Mass Spectrometry joint laboratory in the Navile district complex.