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Mass Spectrometry

Our goal is to provide expert analytical services to North Carolina State University researchers at a cost-effective rate using state-of-the-art instrumentation.

Core Services
(Fee-for-Service)

This option is for researchers who wish to submit samples for analysis by Core staff. Results are returned as a data report, typically within 1 – 2 weeks depending on facility demand.

Thermo Eclipse

Proteomics & Protein Characterization

  • Targeted Protein Identification: Available for samples in-solution or via in-gel digestion.
  • Intact Protein Mass Analysis: Verification of recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, and antibodies. Ideal for confirming molecular weight, assessing purity, and identifying large-scale modifications.
  • Interactome Analysis (Pull-downs): Identification of binding partners from AP/MS (Affinity Purification) or Co-IP assays to elucidate protein-protein networks.
  • Comparative Quantitative Proteomics: By digesting proteins into peptides and measuring their relative signal intensities through LC-MS/MS, researchers can quantify and compare the abundance of thousands of proteins across two samples to identify significant biological shifts.
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Targeted Metabolomics & Environmental Panels

  • Amino Acid Panel: Measurement of relative abundance across standard amino acids.
  • Central Carbon Metabolism Panel: Analysis of TCA cycle, glycolysis, and Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) intermediates (relative abundance).
  • Environmental Contaminants Panel: Analysis of select pesticides, herbicides, and other pollutants.
  • Methyl Salicylate and Related Metabolites Panel: Analysis of methyl salicylate, salicylic acid, salicyluric acid, gentisic acid, salicylic acyl glucuronide, and salicylic phenolic glucuronide in human biological samples (urine and plasma).
  • Targeted Ultrashort-chain and Legacy PFAS Panel: High-sensitivity detection of legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in biological and environmental matrices. Method has been recently updated to also include ultrashort-chain PFAS.
Details coming soon!

Self-Use Instrumentation

The Core provides access to high-end instrumentation for trained independent users. All users must complete a mandatory training session before gaining scheduling privileges.

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Thermo Explores 480 Mass Spectrometer

Available Instruments

  • HRAM (High-Resolution Accurate Mass): For complex mixture analysis and molecular formula confirmation.
  • GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry): Ideal for volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
  • MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization): Rapid analysis of polymers, proteins, and synthetic molecules.
  • ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry): High-sensitivity (ppt) elemental and metal analysis .
  • QQQ (Triple Quadrupole): Optimized for high-sensitivity targeted absolute quantification using METRIC-validated workflows.
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Collaborative Projects

For complex studies requiring deep technical integration, experimental design support, and custom data interpretation. We encourage investigators to contact us during the grant-writing or experimental design phase.

Request a consultation

We offer untargeted and targeted collaborative support in:

  • Global Proteomics: Deep-dive protein expression profiling and PTM analysis.
  • Global Metabolomics: Discovery-based profiling of cellular or biological fluids.
  • Volatile Measurements: Analysis of the volatile organic compound (VOC) profile of biological systems.
  • Custom Method Development: If our standard panels don’t fit your needs, we can collaborate to develop and validate novel LC-MS or GC-MS assays tailored to your specific analytes.
Request a consultation

Collaborative partnerships

Projects outside our core services are collaborative. Best practices require that involved METRIC staff be credited as collaborators and listed as co-authors on resulting publications.

Citing METRIC