Substrate-Enhanced Micro Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry, Phase I

NASA's goals in astrobiology begin with characterizing extraterrestrial chemistry, particularly the presence of complex organic molecules and any molecular signs of life or indications of prebiotic chemistry. This has led to NASA interest in novel approaches that could help enable in situ organic compound analysis from a robot arm (such as ultra-miniaturized Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization Mass Spectrometry). The microchip lasers that are our focus in this proposal are far smaller than laser used in LDI instrumentation to date, and their small size will not only allow but require miniaturization of the entire apparatus. An example of a non-NASA application we would pursue if our intial work succeeded is bacteria identification, of key importance to DOD, DHS, and public health agencies with needs in identifying bacterial warfare agents, and infectious microorganisms involved in water contamination, food poisoning and infectious diseases. A technique such as that proposed here that led to a field-capable instrument should find initial adopters in DOD and DHS laboratories and in hospitals. More »