Bio-analysis mass spec

The Finnigan LTQ FT mass spectrometer combines advanced ion trap and Fourier Transform ICR technologies making high resolution, accurate mass determinations and MSn available for high throughput analysis on a single instrument. Experiments claim to have shown that the structure and comparison of compounds can be determined with ten times better mass accuracy than other available methods.

The Finnigan LTQ FT consists of three major components: a new generation ion trap mass spectrometer, a high transmission ion guidance system, and an ICR analyser based on a 7 T super conductive magnet. The ionisation of samples is performed by using either an electrospray, nanospray or AP Maldi ion source. The ions are then gathered in the ion trap, sorted and targeted in small characteristic units. Finally the masses of these compounds are determined in the FTICR-MS.

Because the determination of accurate mass is based on the measurement of a single ion species, components of a mixture can be characterised simultaneously, eliminating the need for further development or analysis time. The analytical power of the Finnigan LTQ FT will be suitable for use in research and development in proteomics, metabolic profiling, medical science and pharmaceutical drug discovery.