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Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI-MSI) allows label-free spatial analysis of biological tissue samples. Current sample preparation devices are difficult to control. An airbrush-like device that can be used to apply a fine, uniform coating of a light-absorbing compound to tissue samples would improve the ability to image samples.
Our design team from left to right: Laura Piechura, Holly Liske, Jenna Spaeth, Kellen Sheedy
We have completed construction of our prototype and conducted tests to measure the coverage and eveness of the spray application. The results show that our prototype meets the criteria presented by our client and will be an improvement to the client’s current method of spray application. Thank you to our client, Dr. Amy Harms, and Greg Barrett-Wilt for their support. Thank you also to our advisor, Dr. Brenda Ogle, and to Dr. Kreg Gruben and Professor James Barner for their guidance throughout the semester.
Front view of the completed prototype. The tissue sample is placed inside the device enclosure and is moved beneath the spray gun located at the top of the device.
Top view of the completed prototype. The spray gun applies a fine, even mist of matrix to the tissue sample. Pressure and flow rate are adjustable with the regulators shown. The conveyor track drives the tissue sample below the matrix spray.
The Paasche Automatic Spray Gun to be used for matrix application.
The motor that drives the conveyor and the associated circuitry.
| Week | Reporting Period Beginning | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 26 | Decided group member responsibilities and contacted client for a meeting |
| 2 | February 2 | Met with clients and began researching and designing project solutions |
| 3 | February 9 | Met for informal brainstorming and completed the listing of project design specifications |
| 4 | February 16 | Met with clients to present design ideas and to discuss device components in greater detail |
| 5 | February 23 | Conducted individual research to select device components and began design matrix |
| 6 | March 2 | Completed design matrix and researched final design components |
| 7 | March 9 | Chose components to be ordered and prepared for the mid-semester presentation |
| 8 | March 16 | Ordered spray gun and motor, researched remaining components |
| 9 | March 23 | Researched remaining components, began testing spray gun |
| 10 | March 30 | Spring break, formulated designs for the conveyor and for holding the spray gun |
| 11 | April 6 | Ordered final device components and continued improving final design |
| 12 | April 13 | Continued improving final design |
| 13 | April 20 | Began building prototype |
| 14 | April 27 | Completed prototype construction and conducted tests to measure spray coverage and eveness |
| 15 | May 4 | Presented the prototype and demonstrated its use |
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Project Design Specifications (Feb 13 2007, 80 kb) |
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Midsemester Report (Mar 16 2007, 503 kb) |
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Mid-semester PowerPoint Presentation (May 7 2007, 1503 kb) |
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Final Poster Presentation (May 7 2007, 10201 kb) |
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Final Paper (May 9 2007, 828 kb) |
