Hybrid spectrometer

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments has introduced the LCMS-IT-TOF liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer, a novel hybrid mass spectrometer for biomarker discovery, metabolite identification and proteomics research.

Coupling atmospheric pressure ionisation with ion-trap and time-of-flight technologies, the instrument delivers high mass accuracy and high mass resolution (10,000 at 1000 m/z) independent of MS mode.

The device has been designed to maximise sensitivity and selectivity by optimising the ion transport to the TOF analyser and redefining the capability of the quadrupole ion trap.

The ion trap is not only used to focus ions before ejection into the TOF but it also supports fragmentation, MSn analysis and a high precursor ion selection (resolution >1000 at 1000 m/z). A high precursor ion selection allows specific ions to be isolated for further fragmentation, simplifying MS/MS data interpretation and enhancing the selectivity of detection, particularly from complex matrices.

A fast polarity switching speed (100 ms to switch between positive and negative ionisation), combined with compressed ion injection, ballistic ion extraction and dual-stage reflectron technology, creates an instrument for biomarker discovery, metabolite identification and proteomics research.