PNAC Facility Home

Protein Sequence (Edman) analysis

Peptide Synthesis

Mass Spectrometry (samples in solution)

Mass Spectrometry (proteins in gel slices)

Amino Acid Analysis




International labs - PNAC Facility cannot accept
work from outside the UK; search the
ABRF yellow pages for a service near to your location.
This restriction does not apply to the services of CCP.

Waters Q-tof micro ©

Waters Maldi MicroMX ©

Contact Dr Len Packman 01223 333639 l.c.packman@bioc.cam.ac.uk

Electrospray and MALDI mass spectrometry for solution samples

This service is for natural/synthetic peptide/oligonucleotide and protein analysis (up to approx.70kDa) and selected small molecules (please enquire). Results typically available in 1-2 days (holidays excepted). New customers must first discuss their work with Dr Packman. Institutions external to Cambridge University should contact Dr Packman to request use of the service; samples sent without prior discussion will be returned.

For protein identification from gels by mass fingerprinting please see here.

• Please read guidance before preparing your sample
• All samples must be accompanied by an official order form, detailing all relevant and requested information
• Attach a hard copy departmental purchase order (Biochemistry only - a grant code)
• Postal address

Prices for MALDI or ESI Mass analysis of solution samples
This includes sample preparation/clean-up, analysis by mass spectrometry and interpretation of results. Prices are per sample. Discounts may apply for multiple MALDI analyses ( >10) but not ESI.

• Biochemistry Department - £25
• Cambridge University Departments - £40
• External Academic Clients - £50+VAT (no exemption); see important notes
• Industry (where capacity permits) - £150+VAT (no exemption); see important notes

Any (difficult) sample requiring additional work; labour charge per hour

• All Cambridge University Departments - £40
• All Academic clients - £50+VAT (no exemption); see important notes
• Industry - £75+VAT (no exemption); see important notes

Sample preparation
Most buffers can be tolerated by this technique. Avoid PEG, detergents and glycerol. If detergents must be used, octyl glucoside is the best choice for compatibility with MALDITOF-MS. Sample concentrations should be >10µM and volume 10µl or above.

Revisions: form 17 May 04, prices Dec 2007, Oct 2010       Prices are continually reviewed and subject to change without notice.

Notes
You must agree to Standard Terms for Processing Samples on order form.  VAT will be payable on all external orders as exemption (zero-rate) does not cover supply of 'information' (i.e. results), even if VAT exemption is claimed by the customer. Sorry, but that's VAT law. No VAT is payable by University of Cambridge customers.

Charges will be levied as listed even if an identification is unsuccessful as significant work is involved with each sample. If no result is forthcoming through operator error or instrument failure, the charge will be waived.

VAT legislation Once inside the scope of VAT, the VAT law is such that unless something is specifically 'exempted' or 'zero-rated' it will be standard rate.  The specific bit of legislation allowing zero-rating (also referred to as medical exemption) for substances provided is in the VAT Act 1994, Sch 8, Item No 10: "The supply to a charity of a substance directly used for synthesis or testing in the course of medical or veterinary research".  This does not cover information supplied as results based on analysis of a  substance. VAT zero-rate can only apply where PNAC Facility is actually supplying a substance such as peptides.