Mass Spectrometry is a complex field of study that is evolving quickly with concepts, methodologies, and acronyms that can be confusing. From the pioneering work of Thompson and Aston (1913–1920) to Ion Mobility enabled systems, mass spectrometry has continued to develop new capabilities, including Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Chemical Ionization in the 1960’s, Atmospheric Pressure Ionization in the 1980’s, the Orbitrap mass analyzer in 2005, and, more recently, ambient ionization.
If you intend to use Mass Spectrometry, we encourage you to review these tutorials before you embark on a training regime. We can expand on these topics during your time in the Facility. Login authentication is required for the tutorials.
Before you read these tutorials, please consider this question:
What do you think are the most important parts of a MS experiment/analysis/project?
ANSWER:
Sample Preparation and the right combination of sample introduction, ionization method, mass spectrometer, and mode of operation. No matter how much expertise, time and technology we focus on a problem, if you have a poor sample then the result will, more often than not, also be poor.
Ionization Methods
Most analytes are neutral compounds, and so the first step in any mass spectrometric experiment is to ionize the analyte. There are many different ionization methods. Those listed below are available to users of the Mass Spectrometry Facility (MSF).
View the Ionization Methods tutorials.
Ion Separation
Once ions have been formed, the mass spectrometer separates them to generate a mass spectrum. There are many different ways to accomplish this, and those described here are available to users of the MSF.
View the Ion Separation tutorials.
Techniques and Concepts
The information that can be extracted from a mass spectrum is much more than just the m/z value of an ion. These topics explain what can be done with ions once they are formed and the information that can be gleaned from a careful examination of the mass spectrum. Topics covered range from nominal vs accurate mass, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS and MSn), qualitative vs quantitative analysis, and many others.
View the Techniques and Concepts tutorials.
Tips and Tricks
This section examines the "gotchas" that you might see during a mass spectrometric measurement, including ion suppression and electrospray ionization, sample submission guidelines, and others.
View the Tips and Tricks tutorials.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE SOP BEFORE BEGINNING.
Note: An SOP cannot cover all the needed information for proper instrument understanding and operation, or cover all scenarios; nor can an SOP eliminate the necessity of awareness, attention to details, and, most importantly, using your training to allow successful completion of your project. Background information regarding ionization methods, ion separation, techniques and concepts, as well as tips and tricks, can be found in the MS Tutorials section of this website.
Remember, the training you have received and the detailed protocol you have developed and documented will provide the guidance necessary to allow you to complete a successful sample analysis or project using this sophisticated instrument. Please refer to the instrument manuals for other background information, review literature, and always remember your training. When in doubt always ask Facility personnel before trying something outside of your training or prepared protocol.
Thermo Scientific Q-Exactive SOP (accessible PDF)
Waters Synapt G2Si HDMS QTof SOP (accessible PDF)
Bruker Autoflex Speec MALDI-Tof SOP (accessible PDF)
Thermo Scientific LTQ SOP (accessible PDF)