Exhibitors at ASMS 2016, held June 5-9 in San Antonio, Texas, featured a wide range of innovative new products and technologies, some of which are presented below.
TOF Mass Spectrometry Platform Provides Optimal Separation and Analysis of Unresolved Compounds and Conformations
The innovative timsTOF system combines very high ion mobility resolution greater than 200, using proprietary Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TIMS), with Bruker’s ultrahigh-performance ESI-QTOF mass spectrometry. Ion Mobility Expansion (imeX) TIMS technology empowers highest ion mobility resolution that can be adjusted to research or analytical needs. A novel Open Data Format supports user-created software tools tailored to specific research questions.
The research-grade timsTOF system offers next-generation ion mobility technology to enable the high-definition profiling of compounds and conformations in complex samples. In addition to high-performance QTOF high mass resolution, ppm accurate mass and high isotopic fidelity (True Isotopic Pattern, or TIP), TIMS allows the separation of isomeric compounds, accurate determination of collisional cross-sections and gas-phase protein structure and aggregation studies. Fragmentation of TIMS-separated precursor ions results in clear fragmentation spectra for confident identifications.
Powered by imeX TIMS technology, the ion mobility resolution of the timsTOF system can be adjusted to examine compounds of interest in detail.
High-Performance MALDI-TOF/TOF Mass Spectrometer Offers Higher Speed, Better Mass Resolution, Mass Accuracy
The rapifleX from Bruker is the highest-performance MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometer, meeting the demands for in-depth intact and top-down protein characterization and high-performance, high-throughput mass spectrometry imaging. With its next-generation TOF/TOF ion optics and smartbeam 10-kHz proprietary laser technology, the rapifleX system offers significantly higher speed, better mass resolution and mass accuracy and a significantly enhanced MS/MS mass range to enable new research and routine applications. Its unprecedented 10-kHz speed and ion source robustness, wide dynamic range, higher specificity and resolution contribute to the detailed characterization of biologically and clinically relevant lipids, peptides and proteins, exceeding MALDI-TOF/TOF expectations for in-depth protein characterization and imaging of tissues, cell cultures or other applications. The system’s enhanced ease-of-use, robustness and stability facilitate its use for research and large-scale validation.
The rapifleX TOF/TOF is well-suited for detailed protein characterization in life science research and biopharmaceutical laboratories. Many protein characterization tasks can be improved to gain better biological insight, including:
- Fast identification of post-translational modifications
- Top-down protein sequencing
- Patented T³-Sequencing to identify or confirm suspected modifications or sequence alterations near protein N- or C-termini
- Automated disulfide analysis of intact proteins without a priori assumptions using Bruker’s DisulfideDetect method and software
- Disulfide scrambling and trisulfide analysis with simplicity, speed and dynamic range.
The rapifleX MALDI-TOF/TOF system is for research use only.
Triple-Quadrupole ICP-MS Provides Reliable Interference Removal
Interference removal is more reliable and easier to achieve with the Agilent second-generation 8900 ICP-QQQ, which provides a range of configurations to cover applications from routine contract analysis to advanced research and high-performance materials analysis. With helium-mode performance and productivity to match Agilent’s market-leading quadrupole ICP-MS systems, the 8900 ICP-QQQ adds MS/MS mode, for controlled and consistent interference removal in reaction mode, making it the world’s most powerful and flexible multi-element analyzer.
The system provides high performance for existing multi-element ICP-MS applications, and introduces new analytical capabilities not previously possible using ICP-MS. Low-level determination of previously difficult elements, separation of direct isobaric overlaps and fast trace analysis of emerging nanoscale materials extend the application of ICP-MS into new fields of analysis.
Self-Cleaning Ion Source for GC/MS Systems
The JetClean self-cleaning ion source is designed to keep Agilent gas chromatography/mass spectrometry systems free of matrix deposits that would otherwise build up over time and degrade instrument performance. Using a carefully controlled hydrogen flow, JetClean technology greatly reduces—or even eliminates—the need for source cleaning on Agilent single- and triple-quadrupole GC/MS systems. This technology reduces the downtime associated with cleaning the ion source and ensures GC/MS users achieve maximum uptime and efficiency from their GC/MS instruments.
Sensitive Benchtop Mass Spectrometer With Ion Guide
Waters Corp. offers the Xevo TQ-XS mass spectrometer, the most sensitive benchtop tandem quadrupole instrument available. Enabled by the newly designed StepWave XS ion guide, the mass spectrometry system features a combination of ion optics, detection and ionization technologies resulting in levels of sensitivity not previously seen. The StepWave XS ion guide removes neutral species and transmits ions in a more focused beam to the detector by incorporating segmented quadrupole transfer optics in the second stage, resulting in a 2–10× increase in signal/noise over its predecessor, and it delivers robustness over thousands of injections. The refined design allows the system to quantify challenging compounds at trace levels. New tool-free atmospheric pressure ionization probes allow scientists to perform routine maintenance in less than two minutes, meaning greater operator-to-operator reproducibility and more time analyzing samples.
The Xevo TQ-XS also incorporates the XDR detector, a photomultiplier detection system capable of quantifying sample compounds across a concentration range of six orders of magnitude. Scientists no longer need to dilute and reinject samples in order to stay within the limited dynamic range of the instrument they have been using. The proprietary UniSpray ionization source, available on the Xevo TQ-XS, enables ionization of a wider range of analytes in a single chromatographic run, resulting in an increased response across a wide range of compound polarities for a broader range of compounds accompanied by a boost in signal/noise, making it possible to consolidate several analytical methods into one, or eliminate the need to change ionization sources between analyses, saving time and increasing laboratory efficiency.
Ionization Source for Xevo TQ-XS
UniSpray, a novel, proprietary ionization source available on the Xevo TQ-XS, enables ionization of a wider range of analytes in a single chromatographic run. The result is an increased response across a wide range of compound polarities for a broader range of compounds accompanied by a boost in signal/noise, making it possible to consolidate several analytical methods into one, or eliminate the need to change ionization sources between analyses, saving time and increasing laboratory efficiency.
Reference Library for Metabolite Profiling by Ion Mobility Separations
A new metabolic profiling reference library for use during ion mobility mass spectrometry-based research, the Metabolic Profiling CCS Library from Waters includes more than 900 measurements of collision cross-section (CCS) values, which measure the gas phase three-dimensional shape of a molecule for an additional identification coordinate used to confirm analytical results. The library, which also includes more than 600 MS/MS spectra, is included in the Waters UNIFI Scientific Information System, a software platform that combines instrument control and data analysis, visualization and management of both chromatography and mass spectrometry results. The library is also available for use with Progenesis QI Software.
Researchers can use the library to accurately identify biomarkers in complex sample matrices when using ion mobility separations. A CCS value is a precise physicochemical property of an ion related to its size, shape and charge in the gas phase. In untargeted metabolomics studies involving small sample amounts that are highly complex, researchers can use CCS values in the library to confirm identifications of endogenous metabolites and lipids showing statistically significant changes between different sample groups.
Fully Integrated Sample Pretreatment Module for LC/MS
Shimadzu’s Clinical Laboratory Automation Module (CLAM-2000), a fully integrated sample pretreatment module for LC/MS, automatically performs all of the processes necessary for analyzing blood and other biological samples, from scanning in information from the blood collection tubes to sample pretreatment and LC/MS analysis. Automatic analysis is not only faster than manual analysis, it provides more precise results by reducing human error and improves laboratory safety and efficiency.
The CLAM-2000 is the first truly integrated sample preparation system for LC/MS that allows users to process samples in an instrument that is directly attached to the LC/MS system, enabling a very simple and safe means for lab personnel to both process and analyze samples. The user need only place the blood collection tube or other sample in the system, and it performs all other processes automatically, including loading the sample into the autosampler for LC/MS analysis. A variety of functions help control the precision of analytical results, including reagent management, calibration curve management, control management and system maintenance management. All of these functions, in conjunction with a user-friendly interface, help ensure a next-generation workflow that provides reliable, rapid and high-quality results. Instead of standard batch processing, the CLAM-2000 automatically processes individual samples successively in parallel. This gives researchers uniform pretreatment times and allows more efficient use of the mass spectrometer. By automating operations such as dispensing, stirring, filtering, heating and sample transfer, the system effectively improves data accuracy and achieves the reproducibility needed for clinical research for new drug discovery and monitoring of drugs in blood.
Triple-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Features Ultrafast Technologies
Shimadzu's LCMS-8045 triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer offers laboratories performing demanding routine quantitative analyses in such areas as food safety and environmental testing an optimum balance of sensitivity, robustness and cost-effectiveness. It features a modified ion sampling device and collision cell technology, which results in greater efficiency and high quantitative accuracy and reliability. The ion source has a cableless, tubeless housing and the desolvation capillary can be replaced without breaking vacuum, leading to increased durability, easier maintenance and lower total cost of ownership.
Ultrafast technologies include a scan speed of 30,000 u/sec without the loss of mass accuracy and a polarity switching time of 5 msec, which ensures highly reproducible data even for the most demanding matrices.
Mass Spectrometer Enables Comprehensive Biopharmaceutical Characterization Workflow with a Single Platform
Researchers performing biopharmaceutical characterization can benefit from a single system that enables three powerful workflows for the complete characterization of biotherapeutics. The new Thermo Scientific Q Exactive BioPharma MS/MS Hybrid Quadropole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer takes full advantage of the high-resolution, accurate-mass (HRAM) capabilities of the Orbitrap mass analyzer to enable three key protein characterization workflows; denatured and native MS intact analysis, subunit and top/middle-down analysis and peptide mapping. Combined with recommended sample preparation and analysis methods based on Thermo Scientific reagents, columns, UHPLC and data processing technologies, the Q Exactive BioPharma is a complete solution for the rigorous structural characterization of biotherapeutic compounds.
Its High Mass Range (HMR) mode adds the ability for intact monoclonal antibody and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) analysis, under both native intact and denatured intact conditions, to the existing capabilities for subunit top/middle-down and peptide mapping analysis. When combined with Thermo Scientific BioPharma Finder Software, the technology is a powerful solution for biotherapeutic characterization.
Thermo Fisher Scientific and 908 Devices Integrate Microfluidic CE, HRAM MS to Speed Biomolecule Studies
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and 908 Devices demonstrated a 908 Devices’ new ZipChip microfluidics separation technology integrated with its own mass spectrometers, promising separations that transform MS analysis of biomolecules. Researchers using the Exactive, Q Exactive series and LTQ Orbitrap Hybrid FT mass spectrometers will be able to incorporate ZipChip, which uses integrated microfluidics to separate biological samples in 3 minutes or less prior to MS characterization, and requires only a few nanoliters of sample. Users can select between two chip types—ZipChip HS for small molecule analysis and peptide mapping or ZipChip HR for intact large molecules. The new inlet technology option provides fast, integrated separation and characterization of complex biomolecules using microfluidic capillary electrophoresis (CE) and HRAM MS techniques to accelerate development process productivity.
System Pushes Boundaries of LC-MS/MS Quantitation
The Triple Quad 6500+ LC-MS/MS System from SCIEX features multi-component IonDrive technology and a newly designed IonDrive High Energy Detector+. Users are able to see everything, from low mass to high mass compounds, in positive or negative polarity—in a single injection, with high sensitivity, reliability and confidence. Features include:
- Signal-to-noise and LOQ improvements delivered for the widest scope of chemical compounds in the most challenging matrices
- Up to 6 orders of detector dynamic range for enhanced breadth of applications
- Increased throughput with polarity switching speeds of 5 msec
- No compromise in mass range with a 2000-m/z upper mass limit
- Scan speeds of up to 12,000 Da/second for optimized UHPLC strategies
- Compatibility with the new SelexION+ Differential Ion Mobility Technology with improved ion transmission for added selectivity without compromising LOQs
- Reduced audible noise for a quieter working environment.
The Triple Quad 6500+ LC-MS/MS System is for research use only, not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Next-Generation Proteomics Platform for Large-Scale Quantitative Proteomics
The SCIEX Next-Generation Proteomics (NGP) platform offers solutions for large-scale quantitative proteomics with technologies such as the TripleTOF 6600 system with SWATH 2.0 Acquisition, to perform quantitative proteomics research by solving the missing data problem, enhancing data processing and results visualization, with retrospective analysis, and OneOmics cloud computing. Bringing these technologies together has set the standard for truly comprehensive data with the most confident and reproducible protein quant for thousands of proteins in hundreds of samples.
Additions to the SCIEX NGP platform for industrialized proteomics include:
- New sample prep automation with the Beckman Coulter Biomek NX, powered by Protein Preparation Kits.
- Microflow SWATH Acquisition: offers a higher flow rate for significant time savings and improved robustness, while maintaining the high quantitative quality of SWATH acquisition.
- SWATH Performance Kits: facilitate quick startup by enabling users to check the performance of their SWATH Acquisition and monitor performance across their sample sets.
- OneOmics AutoUploader: featured in CloudConnect, AutoUploader moves data files automatically to the cloud right after acquisition to further streamline the quantitative proteomics workflow.
- SWATH to MRM Builder: this new Cloud enables researchers to easily transition from SWATH to MRM workflows, bridging the gap between discovery and targeted validation.