For more informations:

Samples are accepted exclusively in screw-top glass vials with metal caps (exact sample model information is provided by the service-manager)

The sample concentration is determined and communicated by the GPC Service at the start of the project.

You must dissolve all samples in the mobile phase at a suitable concentration.

N,N-dimethylformamide + LiBr and aqueous buffers for sample preparation are provided by the GPC laboratory. Please bring a suitable, clean, and labeled container; a maximum of 100 ml will be dispensed.

Ensure that your sample is completely dissolved; suspensions will not be measured.

Please check when the method you need will be performed.

The schedule is posted above the sample table and can be viewed HERE. Please note the submission deadlines.

For the first sample submission, please read the following document.

Sample drop-off location: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Stefan-Meier-Str. 31, basement; The sample table is located next to the fire extinguishers.

The samples are entered in sequential order on the sample sheet provided and placed in the same order in the sample rack of the respective GPC system.

The following information must be provided:

• First and last name (If you are submitting on behalf of another person, their name must be entered)

• Research group

• Sample designation (Short, clear designations, in sequential order)

• Concentration in mg/ml

• Solvent – enter either the aqueous buffer or the organic solvent to be used.

• Required Calibration – Specify here which calibration is to be used (e.g., PMMA). If no specification is provided, the standard calibration for the respective method will be used.

• Remarks – here, always specify the type of polymer (e.g., PEG, PLA, PMMA-PS, etc.) and, if possible, a rough estimate of the expected molecular weight (e.g., < 5,000 Da, ~ 100,000 Da, > 1,000,000). For measurements with Malls detection, enter the dn/dc of your sample here! Special requests, such as a suitable wavelength, should also be entered here.

• The date of sample submission

The Bruker neofleX™ MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometer is an instrument that enables both conventional MALDI-TOF analyses and TOF/TOF-MS/MS experiments.

1. MALDI-TOF-MS

Standard method for:

• Molecular weight determination
• Distribution analysis
• End-group analysis
• Purity control

Measurement modes: Linear mode, Reflectron mode, Reflectron broadband mode (each available in positive/negative ion mode)

Direct mass determination of polymer/oligomer molecules, determination of dispersity, and end-group characterization

Determination of exact masses of individual oligomer/polymer molecules within dispersed polymer samples/polymer mixtures.

Polymer systems such as:

•    Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

•    Polypropylene glycol (PPG)

•    Polystyrene (PS)

•    Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)

•    Polycaprolactone (PCL)

•    Polylactide (PLA)

•    Peptides

•    Proteins

•    Intact antibodies

•    Glycans

•    Lipids

•    Metabolites

•    DNA and RNA oligonucleotides

Analysis of copolymers:

• Statistical analysis of copolymer compositions
• Detection of different monomer units
• Block copolymer characterization
• Gradient copolymers

2. MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS/MS

Fragmentation of selected precursor ions for:

•    Structural elucidation

•    Fragmentation analysis

•    End-group identification

•    Sequence analysis of oligomers

Possible information obtained:

•    Repeating units

•    Sequence information

•    End-group structure

•    Branching

•    Coupling sites

•    Peptide sequencing

•    Protein characterization

•    Structural elucidation of unknown compounds

1. Initial Consultation with the MALDI-TOF-MS Service Manager, Including Scheduling of Measurement Time
   • For MALDI measurements, sample preparation and the selection of the appropriate measurement mode must be specifically tailored to the sample under investigation. Therefore, a preliminary consultation is required to clarify all relevant aspects.
2. Completion and Submission of the Sample Information Form
   • Download the sample information form here and return the completed form by E-mail.
     Link to Sample Information Form
3. Submission of Samples by Prior Arrangement