CaltechTHESIS
  A Caltech Library Service

Towards Single Molecule Imaging Using Nanoelectromechanical Systems

Citation

Neumann, Adam Patrick (2020) Towards Single Molecule Imaging Using Nanoelectromechanical Systems. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/n4ap-7h91. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05182020-141933604

Abstract

We incorporate nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) into a state-of-the-art commercial mass spectrometer (Q Exactive Plus with Orbitrap detection). This unique hybrid instrument is capable of ionizing molecules up to 4.5 MDa in their intact native state, isolating molecules of interest according to their mass-to-charge ratio, performing high resolution mass spectrometry (MS), and delivering those molecules to the NEMS. We use NEMS optimized for detecting the inertial mass of adsorbed species directly, which contrasts with indirect measurements of the mass-to-charge ratio performed with typical instruments. This unique form of mass spectrometry, NEMS-MS, with its single-molecule sensitivity, has promising applications to the fields of proteomics and native mass spectrometry, including deep proteomic profiling, single-cell proteomics, mass spectrometry-based imaging, or identifying viruses in their in vivo state.

We analyze intact E. coli GroEL chaperonin, a noncovalent 801 kDa complex consisting of 14 identical subunits. GroEL was sent to NEMS operated with the first two vibrational modes monitored in real time. Molecules physisorbing to the NEMS cause an abrupt shift in its resonance frequencies. The change in resonance frequencies is used to calculate the mass of each molecule. A mass spectrum is compiled with a main peak of 846 kDa, close to the expected value, and a secondary peak resolved near twice the mass of GroEL.

Measurements are then performed operating the first three modes simultaneously. Using a technique called inertial imaging, frequency shifts are used to calculate the first three mass moments: mass, position, and variance (size). This is used to distinguish between adsorbates arriving in a single, point-like distribution or a more extended distribution, thus demonstrating a rudimentary form of molecular imaging.

Two new theories are presented for analyzing frequency-shift data. The first approach offers a more streamlined approach for calculating the mass moments. This approach is used to improve the mass spectrum of the GroEL calculated using three-mode data, producing a main peak almost fully resolved at 805 kDa. An entirely different approach is presented that allows for obtaining the mass density distribution of an adsorbed molecule (i.e., imaging) with a higher number of modes.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Nanotechnology; Nanoelectromechanical Systems; Mass Spectrometry; NEMS; Multimode; Inertial Imaging; Molecular Imaging; Image Reconstruction
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Biology and Biological Engineering
Major Option:Bioengineering
Awards:Demetriades-Tsafka-Kokkalis Prize in Nanotechnology or Related Fields, 2020.
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Roukes, Michael Lee
Thesis Committee:
  • Phillips, Robert B. (chair)
  • Roukes, Michael Lee
  • Beauchamp, Jesse L.
  • Thomson, Matthew
  • Sader, John E.
Defense Date:16 April 2020
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:05182020-141933604
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05182020-141933604
DOI:10.7907/n4ap-7h91
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b04301DOIChapter 4 (previously published content).
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Neumann, Adam Patrick0000-0002-2961-7640
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:13709
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Adam Neumann
Deposited On:08 Jun 2020 22:24
Last Modified:07 Mar 2022 22:38

Thesis Files

[img]
Preview
PDF - Final Version
See Usage Policy.

13MB

Repository Staff Only: item control page