Mass Spectrometry Service

We routinely accept (1) cell lysates or mammalian cell pellets and (2) serum/plasma (3) extracted proteins or (4) peptides. Please submit the samples in 1.5 mL centrifuge tubes. For cell lysates, viscous samples will NOT be accepted. Perform DNA shearing with a Microtip Sonicator or add Benzonase to cleave the DNA if necessary. For optimal results, please submit at least 2 micrograms of protein and a maximum of 5 micrograms of protein. For cell pellets, cell pellet submission is applicable for mammalian cell lines only. It should be noted that the number of protein IDs obtained from cell pellet is normally less than that of cell lysate since a separated cell lysis step is omitted. However, when the number of cells is limited, samples submitted in cell pellet form may result in an increased number of protein IDs since fewer processing steps are involved and may result in less sample loss. Yet, BioCRF will not guarantee that the number of protein IDs must increase when cell pellets are submitted. For protein extracts, users should ensure that the proteins are properly extracted. Only clear, transparent protein solutions will be accepted. If necessary, please perform multiple centrifuge cycles or even ultracentrifuge to remove any precipitate. For optimal results, please submit at least 2 micrograms of protein and a maximum of 5 micrograms of protein. For gel bands, they are no longer accepted. Users have to perform in-gel digestion by themselves and submit the resultant peptides for analysis. Please refer to the in-gel digestion protocol here. For ready-to-inject samples, they can be submitted. However, to safeguard the sample quality, an extra C-18 desalting step will be performed by BioCRF. For other samples, their submission is subjected to case-by-case approval. Please contact BioCRF staff before sample submission. Moreover, in case there is any blockage or malfunction of the LC system due to poor sample quality, BioCRF reserves the right to charge the users for the consumable cost, including but not limited to the injector, solvent pumps, tubings, LC columns, and emitter.

For HKUST users, please submit the MS Service Request e-form. Please submit the samples to Rm 6127A during office hours after your supervisor approves the service request form. Otherwise, please submit the samples to the 4°C/ -20 °C refrigerator right next to the front door of Room 6127 and contact our staff via email after sample submission.