Mass Spectrometry

In this next installment of our “Critical Evaluation” series, we will examine gas chromatography methods which use mass spectrometric detection (GC–MS).

By using MS-based techniques, thousands of metabolites can be measured.

Employing ion mobility at atmospheric pressure without vacuum enables coupling to high-resolution mass analyzers. High performance ion mobility–orbital trap mass spectrometry (HPIM-OT-MS) is a useful alternative for separating isomers, such as isomeric metabolites seen in drug discovery.

Multidimensional liquid chromatography (MDLC) methods have revolutionized the characterization of complex drug modalities like antibodies–drug conjugates, antisense oligonucleotides, and small interfering RNA therapeutics.

The study of the thermal behavior and pyrolysis products of these terpenoids could possibly suggest flavor precursors that could be used to provide specific flavors.

Measuring volatile phenols in wine is essential in ensuring superior wine quality. A new analytical technique, called solid-phase mesh-enhanced sorption from headspace (SPMESH), was modified with direct immersion (DI) conditions and coupled to direct analysis in real time–mass spectrometry (DART–MS) to be used to detect smoke taint in winemaking.

High resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HR-TOF-MS) with a novel multimode ionization source together with enhanced chromatographic resolution can successfully detect and identify pollutants in household dust samples. Here’s how.

Our annual review of new high performance liquid chromatography instruments, mass spectrometry systems, and data processing software.

Newer direct-injection mass spectrometry techniques can improve real-time monitoring of volatile organic compounds.

High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is an increasingly critical tool for identifying, characterizing, and monitoring attributes of protein-based therapeutics.

Glen Jackson, Professor of Forensic and Investigative Science at West Virginia University, presented an "Expert Algorithm for Substance Identification (EASI): A New Paradigm for Mass Spectral Identifications" at SciX 2021, where it earned the FACSS Innovations Award. These awards are given for the most innovative and outstanding new research advancements debuted orally at the SciX Conference. Jackson spoke to Current Trends in Mass Spectrometry about his presentation.

Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) is a useful tool to characterize larger, more complex biopharmaceuticals like bispecific antibodies and ADCs.

Understanding the design and operation of a quadrupole mass analyzer can help you plan, optimize, and troubleshoot analytical methods.

The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products used every day by millions of people is a cause of concern among both consumers and scientists. PFAS found in drinking water and the environment can cause serious health issues in animals and humans. Amanda Belunis, who is a PhD candidate at the University of Maryland in Baltimore County, has been investigating the use of liquid chromatography­­–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to detect PFAS from a variety of environmental sources. She spoke with us about methods used to detect PFAS and described a new method that she and her team have developed to enhance PFAS detection.

QuEChERS has been updated to suit modern instrumentation. Now also “efficient and robust,” QuEChERSER is a “mega-method” that covers a wider polarity range.

Intact mass analysis is becoming increasingly useful for characterizing biologics. We describe the current application of intact mass analysis, including quantitation, sequencing, and structural characterization.

Stefan A. Pieconzonka and Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin have profiled diverse beer samples by rapid flow-injection analysis (FIA) Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FTICR–MS). Here, they discuss their approach to this analysis, along with the significance of the Maillard Reaction (MR) in beer quality and analysis.

Interest in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is expanding rapidly. What impact can it have in mass spectrometry? Robert Winkler, of the Center for Research and Advanced Studies Irapuato, in Guanajuato, Mexico, is exploring this question. We recently spoke with Prof. Winkler about this work.

The UHPLC–MS/MS method can accurately determine the presence of these illegal feed additives in swine tissues.

LC–MS/MS has gained momentum as an orthogonal approach to ELISA for host-cell protein (HCP) analysis. LC–MS/MS can identify and quantify individual HCPs, and help ensure that no HCPs evade detection above a reportable limit.

These case studies illustrate how the pharmaceutical industry utilizes mass spectrometry–based solutions to address product quality concerns, particularly when extremely low detection limits are required and when development resources are limited.

Even compared to other biopharmaceuticals, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies are particularly complex. Mass spectrometry (MS)–based process analytical technologies can be a powerful tool in identifying and monitoring key attributes throughout the manufacturing process.

Non-proximate MS presents challenges for ion transmission and preventing loss of analyte signal. For continuous, direct MS analysis, there are four models for non-proximate MS that work best.

This study illustrates the importance of column selection during GC method development.

In recent years, top-down mass spectrometry has quickly advanced from academic rarity to (near-) routine. How did we get here? And what can we expect in the near future?