Demystifying Mass Spectrometry: Your Guide to Mass Spec Services

Mass spectrometry is a robust bioanalytical tool to separate sample components based on their mass-to-charge ratio. It can provide both qualitative and quantitative analysis of sample compounds. Mass spectrometer testing services often employ MS to identify unknown components by identifying molecular weight, determining known compounds, and defining the chemical structure properties of the sample components.

The basic principle of mass spectrometer works by generating ions from the study sample and separating them based on their mass-to-charge ratio, followed by fragmentation and analysis of these in the mass analyzer. Finally, the detector system then identifies and processes the signals and measures their abundance. The primary component of a mass spectrometer includes an ionizer, a mass analyzer, and a detective system.

Today, mass spectrometry service companies couple this tool with separation techniques such as liquid chromatography for robust separation and analysis of sample components. Such tools, such as LC-MS systems, are increasingly being used in drug development and discovery. However, LC-MS method development and validation remain crucial for generating reliable, accurate, and reproducible data. The current article is a guide to mass spec services and understanding the nuances of mass spectrometry.

Unraveling the mysteries of mass spectrometry

Today, tandem mass spectrometry is gaining momentum in analytical and biological studies. This mass spectrometry technique studies the fragmented molecules rather than the molecule of interest itself. In tandem spectrometry, researchers use energy to break apart molecules into smaller fragments, which can be used for further analysis.

Different types of mass spectrometric techniques need unique sample preparation protocols. A particular type of technique will have its variations. For example, the LC-MS/MS technique has different ways to evaluate study samples. Evaluating or quantifying a few molecules will require extraction from the matrix and cleaning them before analyzing it with a directed acquisition method and gathering data. On the other hand, for identifying multiple proteins in an extract, the LC component and the MS/MS unit used will likely be different.

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Moreover, an appropriate mass spectrometry can quantify or identify almost any ionizable compound. They can precisely quantify molecules even at picogram levels. Besides, mass spectrometers are a powerful instrument. They can potentially provide relative quantification of thousands of proteins with three injections per sample.

Mass spectrometers are highly sensitive instruments. However, sensitivity often depends on the sample matrix and the molecule of interest. Generally, establishing a linear detection range for the molecule of interest is ideal to bring the test samples into range for a quantitative approach. Mass spectrometers are often preferred as they don’t rely on antibodies or kits for experiments. They are ideal for precise and high-resolution data.

As mentioned above, mass spectrometers can be complemented with a broad spectrum of separation techniques, such as liquid and gas chromatography. These hyphenated techniques enhance their applications in biochemical and biomedical studies.

Many researchers complain about the high cost associated with mass spectrometers. However, this is not the case. With several applications and uses, mass spectrometers are a much better investment for laboratories than classic molecular biology methods.