The Brodbelt group focuses on the development of quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry for a variety of interdisciplinary applications related to bioanalytical, organic, and inorganic areas. Research efforts involve three aims: A) evaluation of aspects of molecular recognition, B) development of photodissociation for the characterization of peptides, proteins, and DNA, and C) analysis of phytochemicals in food, urine, and plasma for studies of metabolism and bioavailability.

Molecular recognition

Molecular recognition is important in many biological and chemical systems, such as those responsible for drug actions, enzyme catalysis, and ion transport. Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric methods are being developed to characterize the structures and binding constants of host-guest complexes. We are examining DNA interactive agents to identify the binding sites and stoichiometries of drug/DNA complexes and to measure the sequence and drug selectivity.

Infrared Multiphoton Dissociation for Analysis of Biological Molecules

Infrared multiphoton dissociation is being developed to characterize the structures of biological molecules and to detect trace quantities in complex mixtures, with special emphasis on the structural characterization of peptides, identification of peptide modifications, and sequencing of DNA.

Analysis of Phytochemicals in Food, Urine and Plasma

Phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, limonoids, and anthocyanins, are chemopreventive compounds found naturally in plants that exert positive health effects as dietary antioxidants. Our goal is the development of electrospray ionization/quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry for the sensitive detection of phytochemicals in foods like citrus and kale, and in plasma and urine after consumption, thus allowing the metabolism, uptake, distribution, and bioavailability of these compounds to be mapped.