MSn analysis with high mass accuracy using the LCMS-IT-TOF

Focussing forensics, environmental chemistry and pharmaceutical analysis Shimadzu’s LCMS-IT-TOF mass analyzer serves application areas such as impurity analysis, metabolomics, metabolite identification, proteomics and biomarker discovery. The LCMS-IT-TOF is a hybrid-type system combining two mass spectrometric technologies, ion trap (IT) and TOF (time-of-flight). The LCMS-IT-TOF delivers high mass accuracy and high mass resolution independent of the MS mode.

Due to the MSn capability the instrument generates very detailed structural information from unknown compounds. Based on the combination of high mass accuracy and the Formula Predictor software the chemical composition of a compound can be defined in an efficient way. In addition to the mass accuracy, the isotopic pattern matching is taken into account for a correct prediction.

The LCMS-IT-TOF maximizes sensitivity and selectivity by optimizing the ion transport to the TOF analyzer and redefining the capability of the quadrupole ion trap. The ion trap is used to focus ions before ejection into the TOF as well as supporting MSn analysis with effective precursor ion selection capabilities.

The LCMS-IT-TOF provides one of the fastest polarity switching speeds available. The LCMS-IT-TOF expands the power of mass spectrometry scanning to serve the most demanding analytical needs, such as elucidation of structures of new molecules, identification of impurities and contaminations and analysis of metabolites and biomarkers to evaluate biological pathways.

Applying the new Phenomenome Profiler software, biomarker research can be accelerated so that potential Biomarker can be detected more reliably and efficiently. The new MetID Solution software package speeds up the identification of expected and unexpected metabolites. Based on statistical methods the software looks for a relationship beween MSn spectra generated from the drug and its possible metabolites.