Flex应用专题 | 解锁蛋白质谱前处理自动化的无限潜能

Check the Details
Book A Demo Contact Us

Mass spectrometry

An analytical technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. Its purpose is to determine the amount and type of chemicals present in a sample by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio and abundance of gas-phase ions.

Workflows requiring mass spectrometry:

  • Protein Identification and Characterization: Determine the primary structure and post-translational modifications of proteins.
  • Quantitative proteomics: Measure the changes in protein expression levels between different samples.
  • Small molecule analysis: Including drug metabolism research, residue analysis, and environmental pollutant detection.

Methods for performing mass spectrometry:


MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization – Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization – Time of Flight)

MALDI-TOF is a “soft ionization” technique ideal for analyzing large biomolecules such as proteins and peptides without causing fragmentation. It ionizes the sample by mixing it with a matrix and using laser pulses. Its main advantage is its ability to rapidly analyze large molecules, making it particularly useful in proteomics and microbial identification.

Electrospray Ionization (ESI)

ESI works by passing a sample solution through a high-voltage needle, creating charged droplets, thereby producing ions. Its versatility is outstanding and it can ionize a wide range of compounds from small molecules to large proteins. ESI is liquid chromatography (LC) compatible, enabling seamless separation and subsequent MS analysis, making it the first choice for metabolomics and lipidomics.

Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS)

MS/MS is performed in two stages, first isolating the ions, then fragmenting the selected ions, and finally analyzing the fragments. Its advantage lies in providing detailed structural information, especially for peptides. By targeting specific ions and monitoring their fragmentation, MS/MS provides unparalleled specificity and precision, making it invaluable in proteomics and precise quantitative analysis.

Mass Spectrometry Sample Preparation

The process of preparing biological samples for mass spectrometry analysis. This includes the extraction, purification and concentration of relevant molecules from complex mixtures. Its main purpose is to ensure that the sample is in a suitable form for mass spectrometry analysis, is free of contaminants that could interfere with mass spectrometry readings, and is in sufficient concentration to be detected.

How to automate the mass spectrometry sample preparation process:

  • Pipetting Workstations: These workstations automate pipetting, reducing human error and increasing throughput.
  • Automated SPE System: Handles extraction and purification steps without manual intervention.
  • Integrated systems: Some systems can integrate multiple steps in the sample preparation process, from extraction to cleanup to concentration.

Mass spectrometry sample preparation has never been easier

The OT-2 is a benchtop liquid handler designed to be easy to use yet flexible enough to automate many common applications.

Watch Video

Advantages of mass spectrometer sample preparation automation over manual pipetting:

  1. Consistency and repeatability: Automation reduces the variability caused by human error.
  2. Higher throughput: Automated systems can process multiple samples simultaneously, increasing efficiency.
  3. Reduced risk of contamination: Less manual handling means less chance of introducing contaminants.
  4. Save time: Automation allows researchers to focus on data analysis and interpretation rather than repetitive sample preparation tasks.

Resource focus

Opentrons helps you automate mass spectrometry sample preparation with open source protocols for OT-2 and Opentrons Flex

mass spectrometry


Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometers specialize in the analysis of volatile and thermally stable compounds. It combines the separation power of gas chromatography with the identification power of mass spectrometry and is commonly used in forensics, environmental monitoring and flavor analysis. Its strength lies in the precise identification of organic compounds using well-established libraries.     

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry extends the scope of mass spectrometry to heat-sensitive and non-volatile compounds. By combining the broad separation capabilities of liquid chromatography with detailed mass spectrometry analysis, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry has become extremely valuable in proteomics, drug development, and metabolite analysis. Its ability to handle larger and more diverse molecules compensates for the shortcomings of GC-MS.

GC-ms LC-ms
Overview Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry
Sample type Volatile and thermally stable compounds Non-volatile and thermally unstable compounds
Ionization technology Electron impact ionization (EI), chemical ionization (CI) Electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)
application Forensic medicine, environmental monitoring, drug testing, flavor analysis Proteomics, drug development, metabolite analysis
Complexity and Maintenance Moderate; maintenance focuses on column and mass spectrometry conditions High; column clogging and contamination may occur
resolution High (depends on column and instrument) High (depends on column and instrument)
Typical uses Drug testing, environmental pollutants, metabolomics Biomolecules, peptides, drugs, large organic molecules
Detector sensitivity High sensitivity to volatile compounds High sensitivity, especially with modern detectors, for a wider range of compounds
advantage Effective for various volatile organic compounds, mature methods and complete database Broad range of applications, able to handle larger and more diverse compounds
limitation Limited to volatile and thermally stable compounds, possible fragmentation upon ionization complicating spectra Due to multi-step operation, sample loss or degradation may occur, and sensitivity may be affected by matrix effects.

Learn More

Feel free to contact us and our team of professional application scientists will help you confirm whether the automated experimental process is suitable for your needs. If you need to check the operation of the experimental process, you can schedule an online demo with us to discuss your experimental needs in depth with the expert team.

Book a Demo
Contact Us

The experienced service team and strong production support team provide customers with worry-free order services.