Modern ionization techniques, particularly MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) and ESI (Electrospray Ionization), have greatly expanded the utility of mass spectrometry (MS) in the realms of organic and biological polymers. The rapid adoption of MALDI- and ESI-based instruments by research groups with no prior mass spectrometry experience has highlighted the educational opportunities, especially as many facets of MS retain an "artistic" component.
We (JJG in conjunction with Dr. Mark Bier, Director, Center for Molecular Analysis, Carnegie Mellon University) are developing virtual training modules for modern mass spectrometric techniques, emphasizing MALDI and ESI coupled to time-of-flight, quadrupole, sector, and Fourier transform mass analyzers. The goal will be to create Web-based learning tools that are useful in lecture and laboratory courses such as bioorganic, biochemistry, molecular biology, and polymer chemistry, and by any individual wanting an interactive introduction to these MS techniques. We will bring "virtual hands-on MS experiments" to potential future users of these expensive MS instruments. As a model, we are keeping in mind the multitude of successful NMR training software that have been created (see for instance, http://www.chem.umu.se/divisions/fk/EduNMRSoft.html). In our case, the software would be developed principally as an interactive, Web-based tool that would simulate how these MS instruments work and demonstrate the "hows" of mass spectra data acquisition, manipulation, and interpretation by adopting a "case-study" type of approach.
Our approach will be to develop Web materials, including diagrams, digital spectra and video movies, that can serve to introduce or review the technique and demonstrate the hardware, all taking advantage of the multimedia component of the Web. The user would then be able to perform a virtual experiment within the framework of several defined case studies. The necessary materials, spectra, descriptions, and video movies, will be prepared by making extensive use of CMU's CMA facility, with its Finnigan ESI-MS and Perseptive Biosystems MALDI-TOF MS. The use of the Web as the learning medium will also allow real-time links to the protein libraries and search engines developed and maintained by various groups and will permit the educational material to be accessed for distance education purposes. Ideally, the approach adopted will allow a continuous infusion of new case studies, allowing for a steady increase in the variability and utility of the site's content.
The project is designed to be carried out by undergraduate Chemistry majors and is anticipated as being an on-going project. The students will become skilled in the concepts of modern mass spectrometry, modern (i.e., Web-based multimedia) educational material design, Web-based programming (using as much as possible, user-friendly editors), and interactive teaching concepts. The project was initiated in the summer of 1998 and will continue during the following academic terms.
Project Leaders. Prof. Grabowski and Dr. Bier are well-seasoned mass spectroscopists with a total of 28 years of MS experience between them. In addition, to their general MS-based expertise, they each bring unique strengths to the collaboration. Dr. Bier has extensive experience in the design of instruments, including industrial experience working with a major MS manufacturer and in educating new users about the instruments in CMUís CMA facility. Prof. Grabowski has extensive experience in teaching Organic, Bioorganic, and Advanced Organic Chemistry courses, including use of the Web as supporting material for his courses. Both Dr. Bier and Prof. Grabowski serve on the steering committee for the Pittsburgh Area Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group and are actively involved in the educational efforts of this organization and both are members of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. Dr. Bier can be reached via mbier@andrew.cmu.edu and Prof. Grabowski via joeg+@pitt.edujoeg+@pitt.edu