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.
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.
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.
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.
The OT-2 is a benchtop liquid handler designed to be easy to use yet flexible enough to automate many common applications.
Watch VideoOpentrons helps you automate mass spectrometry sample preparation with open source protocols for OT-2 and Opentrons Flex
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 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. |
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