Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation Laboratory (CAIL) | New Mexico State University

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What we do

CAIL performs mass spectrometry analyses, and makes advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation and other research equipment widely available, to support leading edge research in agriculture, engineering, science, and other disciplines. CAIL analyzes samples, assists with method development and data analysis, trains students, and maintains instrument performance and availability. CAIL is made sustainable through collaborative research projects, which fund project supplies, staff availability, and instrument maintenance and improvement. To this end, CAIL also supports proposal preparation through the acquisition of preliminary data and the development of budgets and method descriptions.

Targeted Analysis

Selective, sensitive methods using chemical standards to detect and quantify one or more predetermined target chemicals.

Nontargeted Analysis

Broad, qualitative methods using advanced data analytics to detect and identify as many chemical substances as possible.

Proteomics

Bottom-up approaches to identify proteins and characterize amino acid sequences and post-translational modifications after proteolytic digestion.

What we offer

CAIL comprises approximately 1,300 square feet of laboratory space, and 315 square feet of additional sample preparation space. It provides state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation and other research equipment for analyzing a wide variety of biological, environmental, and other samples, including the equipment necessary for sample and standards preparation.

LC-Fusion Tribrid Orbitrap MS

High resolution mass spectrometer
Micro- or nano-flow liquid chromatography
Multiple fragmentation techniques
Proteomics and nontargeted analysis

LC-MS 8050

Triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
Ultra performance liquid chromatography
Chemical and electrospray ionization
Targeted, quantitative analysis

GC-MS

Single quadupole mass spectrometer
Gas chromatography
Liquid autosampler or PTV
Targeted or nontargeted analysis of volatile and semivolatile compounds

CAIL instruments can be reserved through the LabArchives Scheduler system, which maintains a calendar for each instrument, provides alerts for upcoming reservations, and uses a check-in/check-out system to log actual instrument use. Please contact Robert B. Young for more information and an invitation to the LabArchives Scheduler system.

LabArchives Scheduler

Who we are

CAIL is a multi-user facility, and component of the NMSU Research Cores Program, which provides NMSU researchers, NM-INBRE members, and their partners with broad access to state-of-the-art technology, training opportunities, and other research resources in support of the mission of NMSU Research, Creativity and Strategic Initiatives and the Office of the Vice President for Research.