Bruker Corporation recently introduced its new DART-EVOQ triple quadrupole mass spectrometer at ASMS 2022, which is designed to extend the power of mass spectrometry inside and outside the laboratory to Point-of-Need (PoN) analysis. The DART-EVOQ does not require chromatographic separations for analysis in food/beverage, forensics, industrial, security, environmental and pharmaceutical workflows.
In April 2022, Bruker acquired IonSense, developer of the DART (Direct Analysis Real-time Technology) ionization source that can analyze many types of samples, including solids, liquids and gases, in seconds with little to no sample preparation prior to analysis. DART was designed to remove time-consuming steps to rapidly identify and quantify sample analytes, enabling novel PoN workflows that are challenging for conventional GC- and LC- mass specs.
With DART in its portfolio, Bruker announced first applications with the launch of the DART-EVOQ system, allowing users to rapidly identify samples, including many that do not ionize well using other methods. One application for the combined DART-triple quad mass spectrometry is trace level volatile quantification in grape harvests.
“The good correlations between GC-MS and DART-MS data suggest that the latter could be used as a rapid point-of-need alternative with ~30 sec/sample, compared to conventional GC-MS with typically ~30 min/sample analysis times,” said Gavin Sacks, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University. “The combination of DART with triple quad mass spectrometers brings the potential of highly sensitive and selective point-of-need analyses into the hands of a broader range of users.”
In May 2022, Bruker also announced a strategic partnership with TOFWERK AG for high-speed, ultra-sensitive applied and industrial analytical solutions, in conjunction with a Bruker minority investment. TOFWERK’s instruments are used in applications such as ambient air monitoring, breath analysis (for research use only), food and flavor analysis, and for airborne molecular contamination (AMC) monitoring in the semiconductor industry.
“We are excited to work closely with Bruker and IonSense to further accelerate the commercialization of compact, high-speed TOF-MS solutions for industrial and applied markets, based on ultra-high-sensitivity and point-of-need analysis technologies developed at TOFWERK and Bruker,” said Marc Gonin, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of TOFWERK.
“Our expertise in developing novel workflows to overcome challenges faced by our customers is second to none,” added Juergen Srega, the Bruker CALID Group President. “Our new Point-of-Need introductions again extend mass spec capabilities beyond traditional laboratory settings. We aim to be a leader in PoN mass spec solutions that enable simple and fast analyses, wherever they are needed. Our strategic investments, and the launch of the DARt-EVOQ, are important steps towards this goal.”