The University of Akron Mass Spectrometry Center

The Mass Spectrometry Center (MSC) primarily serves academic departments at The University of Akron (UA). It also provides analytical service to the surrounding industrial and research community and to nationwide and global corporate and institutional partners. The MSC focuses on the structural analysis of synthetic polymers, biomaterials, and polymer-biopolymer conjugates. Characterization of these substances can be performed by the following ionization methods: electrospray ionization (ESI), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) using either atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) or direct analysis in real time (DART) ion sources. The ASAP and DART sources allow for pyrolysis studies up to 600 °C. The MSC is also equipped to separate mixtures via liquid chromatography (HPLC, UHPLC, and SEC/GPC) as well as by ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) (suitable for the differentiation of isomeric architectures). In addition, the MSC offers MALDI surface imaging services. Lastly, we offer high accurate mass capabilities (<5 ppm) for small molecule samples that meet requirements of scientific journals. All mass spectrometers have tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) capabilities to allow elucidation of structure, sequence, and degradation pathways of materials.

 Instrumentation 

The MSC currently maintains and operates the following instruments:

• Bruker ultrafleXtremeTM MALDI-ToF (tandem time-of-flight) mass spectrometer, suitable for the analysis of high molecular weight polymers and proteins. This instrument also provides mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) capabilities.
• timsTOF Pro 2TM Q/ToF  tandem mass spectrometer coupled with a high-performance LC (HPLC) and equipped with ESI and DART ion sources. The DART device allows for analysis of insoluble materials via thermal desorption/pyrolysis. The timsTOF instrumentation is equipped with the trapped ion mobility facility for high-resolution IM-MS separations.
• Waters Synapt HDMSTM Q/ToF tandem mass spectrometer coupled with an ultra-high-performance LC (UPLC) and equipped with ESI and ASAP sources as well as the traveling-wave variant of IM-MS.
• Waters Breeze SEC (GPC) with capabilities of fractioning polydisperse polymers and determining the molecular weight distribution of such polymers. 

Lab Members and Operation Workflow

• Dr. Chrys Wesdemiotis (Director)
• Staff (as of August 2025)

         Calum Bochenek* (senior Ph.D. student)
         Luciana Rivera Molina (Ph.D. student)
         Justin Dyer (Ph.D. student)
        Andrew McGee (Ph.D. student, part-time)
        Zhibo Liu (M.S. student)

• Service hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Meetings and consultations by appointment. Contact Dr. Chrys Wesdemiotis at 330-972-7699, wesdemi@uakron.edu, or wesdemiotis@uakron.edu                               

Sample Submission

Contact

Dr. Chrys Wesdemiotis (wesdemi@uakron.edu or wesdemiotis@uakron.edu) or Calum Bochenek* (cb332@uakron.edu)

Address for submissions by mail 

The University of Akron, Mass Spectrometry Center, Knight Chemical Laboratory Room 110, 190 E. Buchtel Commons, Akron, OH 44325

Turnaround Time

•  Analysis takes 1-2 weeks from receipt of the sample(s) depending on type of testing, instrument availability, and current sample load.
• Results are delivered electronically after completion of the analysis.
• Spectral interpretation is provided upon request.

Mass Spectrometry Center Rates ^a

^aRates effective August 12, 2025, for research groups at The University of Akron (UA). Contact MSC for the cost of testing provided to academic and industrial users outside UA. 

^bPrice for Department of Chemistry and the School of Polymer Science & Polymer Engineering (home units of lab members and major users); 2x rate for all other UA Departments.