Mass spec is a powerful analytical technique widely used across various industries and research fields with current applications spanning multiple markets, including biotechnology, research and academia, environmental testing, food and beverage testing, forensic science, and the petrochemical industry. Each sector leverages mass spectrometry for its ability to precisely measure and analyze chemical compounds, enabling advancements in their respective fields. Notably, PFAS testing market and the bio/pharmaceutical market continues to see growth in the application and need of this technology. With increasing emphasis on personalized medicine and precision healthcare, mass spectrometry facilitates developments in biomarker discovery, therapeutic drug monitoring, and pharmacogenomic studies, contributing to the advancement of personalized medication strategies. The 72nd ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics was held June 2-6, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim, CA). The following roundup showcases new introductions and highlights at ASMS 2024.
New MRT Mass Spectrometer
Waters Corporation (www.waters.com) introduced the new Xevo™ MRT benchtop mass spectrometer which combines the power and resolution speed of multi-reflecting time-of-flight (MRT) and hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight (QTof) technologies within a flexible benchtop platform. The Xevo MRT system offers a resolution of 100,000 full width half maximum (FWHM) at a 100 Hz MS/MS scan speed with mass accuracy of less than 500 parts per billion (ppb for in-depth analysis.
New Triple Quad Mass Spectrometer
SCIEX (www.sciex.com) revealed the SCIEX 7500+ system as the newest addition to the quantitative portfolio for reliable and sensitive quantitation. Its Mass Guard technology doubles sensitivity longevity ensuring high performance across diverse complex samples with reduced downtime. Capable of 800 MRM per second, the SCIEX 7500+ allows for extensive quantitation panels. It’s also supported by new functionality in SCIEX OS to track instrument performance and reducing the potential for failed batches and repeat measurements.
New Triple Quad GC/MS
Agilent Technologies (www.agilent.com) introduced the new Agilent 7010D Triple Quadrupole GC/MS System, designed for the food and environmental sectors, excels in precision and sensitivity for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It includes the new HES 2.0 ion source for attogram-level sensitivity. Integrated features like SWARM autotune and Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) streamline workflows and minimize unplanned downtime, making it a dependable solution for meeting evolving regulatory standards.
New Triple Quad LCMS
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (www.ssi.shimadzu.com) featured the new LCMS RX Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry Series. Utilizing its CoreSpray™, these systems enhances sample ionization by improving gas flow and nebulizer coaxiality, while the IonFocus™ electrode, now standard in all RX models helping to reduce noise and maintenance needs. The LCMS-TQ RX series builds on Ultra-Fast Mass Spectrometry (UFMS) technologies for dependable data acquisition and robust performance. Enhanced software autonomously monitors the system minimizing downtime through proactive maintenance.
New Application-specific Orbitrap LC-MS
Thermo Fisher Scientific (www.thermofisher.com) unveiled three new renditions of its Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascend Editions Tribrid™ mass spectrometer. Each edition is tailored with distinctive features for specific application areas. The new editions are the MultiOmics Edition, Structural Biology Edition, and BioPharma Edition, all equipped with upgraded hardware, including a Native MS option and a dry pump that enhances sustainability and performance.
New ExD Cell for LC/Q-TOF
Agilent Technologies also introduced the Agilent ExD Cell for the 6545XT AdvanceBio LC/Q-TOF system enhances peptide and protein characterization with electron capture dissociation (ECD). Geared to the biopharma and life sciences sectors, the x meets the demands of complex biotherapeutics, enabling detailed structural analysis for large proteins, fragile modifications, and isomeric residues. Combined with the 6545XT’s capabilities, the ExD Cell supports comprehensive characterization of proteins and peptides, with the ExDViewer facilitating confident interpretation of rich spectra.
New Data Analysis and Software Solutions
Sciex also introduced the ZT Scan DIA for LC-MS/MS, a data-independent acquisition (DIA) technology by combining quadrupole dimension and Zeno trap MS2 data for the quantification of more proteins at higher precision. It not only allows for analyzing low protein loads at greater speeds, but it also allows for crucial pathway decisions to be made up to 10 times the speed with precise quantitative outcomes offering enhanced depth of coverage, precision, sensitivity, and selectivity.
MOBILion Systems, Inc. (www.mobilionsystems.com.) unveiled the new MOBIE EyeOn 2.3 Software for the MOBIE® system. This new software enhances analytical insights across various applications, streamlining workflows and improving performance without hardware changes. It offers new separation modes, boosts sensitivity and separation performance, and speeds up data acquisition and processing. Diverse applications span across drug development, clinical diagnostics, metabolic research, and environmental science, including PFAS analysis.
Biognosys (www.biognosys.com) launched Spectronaut®19 for DIA analysis. The Spectronaut 19 promises significant improvements in peptide and protein identifications, discovery rates, scalability, and support for new workflows, leveraging advanced AI models for enhanced quantification.
New Proteomics Workflows
Evosep (www.evosep.com) announced innovative advancements in scalable proteomics workflows with their new solutions designed to enhance the speed, sensitivity, and robustness of proteomics analysis. A key feature is the introduction of the Whisper™ Flow technology, which offers ultra-low flow rates for improved peptide separation and increased depth of proteome coverage. This advancement aims to support high-throughput, deep proteomics studies for both research and clinical applications.
Biognosys also introduced the P2 Plasma Enrichment method, a proprietary technique for single-well, single particle-type enrichment in deep plasma proteomics. This method, available as a CRO service through Biognosys’ TrueDiscovery® platform, offers improved quantitation and higher throughput, making it ideal for large-cohort biomarker and drug discovery studies, as well as clinical, epidemiological, and population proteomics research.
Conclusion
The field of mass spectrometry remains highly relevant due to its critical role in various scientific and industrial applications. With expected continued growth with increasing demands for accurate and sensitive analytical techniques, growing applications in pharma/biotech industries, increasing focus on environmental analysis, and advancements in data analysis and interpretation. Integration with other techniques enables a more comprehensive and in-depth analysis of samples. Ongoing technological advancements and broader applications will continue to propel the mass spectrometry market forward as instrument manufacturers constantly strive to improve performance parameters, such as sensitivity, resolution, speed, and ease of use.