A mass spectrometer (laboratory mass spectrometer) mainly consists of an injection system, an ion source, a mass analyzer, a detector, a vacuum system, and a data analysis system. Among them, the ion source, mass analyzer, and data analysis software are the core components of mass spectrometry, which can be combined with different injection systems to form multiple types of mass spectrometry analyzers. Next, we will “disassemble” the mass spectrometer to introduce the operating principle and function of its core components.
ion source
An ion source is a device that ionizes neutral atoms or molecules and extracts an ion beam from them. It can ionize the molecules of the tested sample and aggregate the ions into an ion beam with a certain energy and geometric shape. Samples can only be detected by mass spectrometry after being ionized by an ion source. Due to the diversity of sample analysis and the differences in analysis requirements, the methods and principles of substance ionization also vary.
As the mainstream model on the market, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry mainly uses atmospheric pressure ion source (API) as its ion source. Among them, the atmospheric pressure ion source (API) is divided into: atmospheric pressure electric spray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) converts liquid molecular compounds into gaseous charged ion states, which then enter the mass analyzer.
The ion source is one of the most critical components of a mass spectrometer, and the design of its needle and transmission path is crucial, affecting key performance such as ionization efficiency, anti contamination, and transmission efficiency of the sample. As a result, it has become a key technological focus for major brands, including a 60 degree spray needle design that conforms to airflow dynamics and accelerates gasification; There are also needle designs for ion sources that do not directly target the sampling cone hole, such as the Zspark technology from Waters. Based on the attraction of the electric field, the liquid sprayed out reaches the cone hole through a “Z” – shaped path, improving its resistance to contamination. At the same time, the heatable design of the Zspark chamber frame also significantly accelerates the sample ionization process.
Quality analyzer
A mass analyzer is located between the ion source and the detector. It separates charged ions transmitted from the ion source according to different charge to mass ratios and sends them to the detector for content detection. The method of separating isotopes of different elements or the same element based on the charge to mass ratio of charged ions is the main principle of mass spectrometer for detecting isotope content. So, the performance of the quality analyzer directly affects the accuracy and precision of the mass spectrometer.
In practical applications, the main types of mass analyzers include Magnetic Analyzer, Quadrupole Analyzer (also known as QQQ), Ion Trap Analyzer, Time of Flight (TOF) Analyzer, Ion Cyclotron Resonance (ICR) Mass Analyzer, etc. Triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry and time-of-flight mass spectrometry are currently the mainstream technical devices in clinical mass spectrometry applications.
Currently, the complexity of clinical samples places higher demands on the qualitative and quantitative capabilities of mass spectrometers, which is closely related to the selection of mass analyzers. In recent years, leading companies in mass spectrometry technology research and development have made multiple technological innovations in the field of mass analyzers.
For example, the comprehensive application of multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry technology has significantly improved the overall performance of mass analyzers. Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry technology provides cascade functionality while retaining the strong quantitative ability of the quadrupole, enhancing the qualitative ability of mass spectrometry. The related technology market is mainly dominated by leading companies such as Waters, Thermo Fisher, and Agilent. The application of multi-stage tandem mass spectrometry technology formed by connecting different types of mass analyzers in series better integrates and balances the advantages of different analyzers in qualitative and quantitative analysis capabilities, analysis speed, resolution, and sensitivity, and can be optimized according to different analysis needs.
data analysis software
The data analysis software is responsible for analyzing and processing the data obtained in the early stage and outputting accurate results. With the rapid development of mass spectrometry instrument technology and the joint application of disciplinary knowledge, the scale and complexity of data continue to increase. Major enterprises and expert teams have also developed comprehensive data analysis software platforms for mass spectrometry data processing and analysis.
Considering the timeliness of clinical laboratory reports, sample throughput, and workflow, Waters has launched the latest data processing software unit – MS Quan, which revolves around clinical workflow, has a simple interface, rich information, and can greatly shorten data processing time, allowing customers to save more time and do more meaningful work.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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