The Organic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Lab at MCI has been in place since Spring 2017 and is staffed by Timothy P. Cleland, PhD, G. Asher Newsome, PhD, and Caroline Solazzo, PhD. Our scientists analyze all manner of organic analytes, from large biological molecules like proteins to small molecules like synthetics, dyes, and volatiles, to study diverse areas from fundamental chemistry to archeology to paleontology. We have ongoing collaborations with conservators, curators, and researchers from nearly every unit within the Smithsonian as well as a variety of outside scientists and academics in the US and internationally. Our lab also hosts postdoctoral and graduate fellows.

MCI provides analytical support to Smithsonian museums and research centers to assist with the care and understanding of collections and research samples. Through our Proteomics and Molecular Mass Spectrometry Laboratory we analyze the molecular structure of proteinaceous materials, biomolecules, metabolites, and volatile compounds. Our data provides valuable insight into the deterioration, preservation, and historical and biological contexts of museum artifacts and research samples.

Proteomics is an area of rapid growth in biological and medical research that is being driven by advances in molecular separation and mass spectrometry technology. Proteomics capabilities will allow the MCI to gather more information from Smithsonian collections, cultural objects, and biological specimens, and to learn more about their materials, their origins, and the causes of their deterioration.

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

  • Bottom-up proteomics of bone and teeth, and objects made from them, which can provide protein sequences for species identification and evolutionary studies.
  • Bottom-up proteomics using high-resolution mass spectrometry of keratin-based tissues (animal wool and hair, human hair, tortoiseshell, baleen, horn, hoof, claw, quill) and collagen-based tissues (parchment, vellum, leather, animal gut) for species identification.
  • Bottom-up proteomics using high-resolution mass spectrometry of complex artistic samples: organic metal threads (protein substrate + protein adhesive), and binders on paintings, murals, woodwork, etc.

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry with DART

  • Ambient analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry and DART for identification of volatile and involatile compounds.