Method Development and Analyte Detection Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Faculty Mentor
Nathaniel Shank
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics
Abstract
Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) is an analytical technique frequently used for the separation (LC) and detection (MS) of target analytes within a sample. Separation is based on the affinity of the analytes between a mobile phase and a stationary phase. In our research, we use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), where analytes are dissolved in the liquid mobile phase and then pumped through a column containing the solid stationary phase. Each unique analyte establishes an equilibrium between the two phases which then dictates its elution time (how long it is retained in the column). Analytes exiting the column are then ionized and analyzed by the mass spectrometer. Detection can occur through “simple” scans but to accurately identify a target, we rely on the use of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), a technique that fragments a known precursor ion and then detects a specified product ion. In our study, LC-MS/MS was utilized for the detection and quantification of specified analytes (tyrosine, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), variable mushroom compounds) in different samples. Our initial methods for these analytes were based on existing literature sources that we adapted and optimized for our instrument and running parameters. This report shows our initial results for these projects and our plans for further development and validation.
Program Description
.
Start Date
4-21-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-21-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Henry, Kayley; Hutson, Charlotte; Patel, Shivam; and Shank, Nathaniel, "Method Development and Analyte Detection Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 16.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/16
Method Development and Analyte Detection Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Savannah Ballroom
Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) is an analytical technique frequently used for the separation (LC) and detection (MS) of target analytes within a sample. Separation is based on the affinity of the analytes between a mobile phase and a stationary phase. In our research, we use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), where analytes are dissolved in the liquid mobile phase and then pumped through a column containing the solid stationary phase. Each unique analyte establishes an equilibrium between the two phases which then dictates its elution time (how long it is retained in the column). Analytes exiting the column are then ionized and analyzed by the mass spectrometer. Detection can occur through “simple” scans but to accurately identify a target, we rely on the use of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), a technique that fragments a known precursor ion and then detects a specified product ion. In our study, LC-MS/MS was utilized for the detection and quantification of specified analytes (tyrosine, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), variable mushroom compounds) in different samples. Our initial methods for these analytes were based on existing literature sources that we adapted and optimized for our instrument and running parameters. This report shows our initial results for these projects and our plans for further development and validation.