Thermo Scientific Exactive Plus EMR and Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap systems join new Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid and TSQ Quantiva and Endura systems at HUPO

Less than four months after introducing important new core “Tribrid” and triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platforms built to transform customers’ work with unprecedented performance and ease of use, Thermo Fisher Scientific introduces two additional systems designed to advance intact protein analysis and “quanfirmation.” .

New technology launched at HUPO includes:

Extended Mass Range (EMR) option for the Thermo Scientific Exactive Plus LC-MS

Proteomics scientists now have a powerful new tool for challenging high resolution accurate mass (HRAM) intact protein analysis such as investigating the structure, topology and architecture of targets. These include: impurities in monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, PEGylated proteins, oligomerized protein-based drugs, glycoforms and protein assemblies.

The EMR option for the Thermo Scientific Exactive Plus LC-MS includes:

• Extended m/z range of 350-20,000
• Improved transmission of higher-mass ions for stronger signals
• Modified HCD pressure and controls for easier optimization of experimental conditions
• Access to long transients for improved signal-to-noise ratio

“The Exactive Plus with EMR allows us to characterize native protein complexes with superior sensitivity and mass resolving power,” said Shenheng Guan, professor, University of California San Francisco. “We expect to use it as an essential tool for deciphering molecular mechanisms of protein machine assembling and protein complex/drug interactions. It helps to provide an additional dimension of information beyond traditional proteomics methodologies.”

Thermo Scientific Q Exactive Plus LC-MS

The mass spectrometry community first learned about “quanfirmation” (the ability to characterize, quantify and confirm a molecule using one instrument) in 2011 with the debut of the Thermo Scientific Q Exactive hybrid LC-MS. Now, the company is introducing the second generation of this benchtop hybrid HRAM instrument, the Thermo Scientific Q Exactive Plus LC-MS to further increase performance for applications such as bottom-up proteomics, lipidomics and high-confidence DMPK qual/quan screening studies.

Enhancements include:

Advanced Quadrupole Technology (AQT) developed to improve precursor selection and transmission for more-accurate quantitation of low-abundance analytes in complex matrices.

• Sophisticated data-independent acquisition (DIA) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) designed to deliver reproducible, high-throughput quantitation with very high confidence in qualitative results.
• Advanced active beam guide (AABG) designed to reduce noise and extend maintenance intervals.
• Optional protein mode designed to permit greater control over collision pressure and related parameters to improve analysis of intact proteins and protein complexes.
• Enhanced resolution option intended to increase ID confidence in top-down proteomics and lipidomics studies.

“We’re transforming mass spectrometry at an accelerated pace this year,” said Ian Jardine, chief technology officer, life science mass spectrometry, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We started with the launches of two major new platforms in June: the novel Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid LC-MS to make new types of discovery research possible, and new triple quadrupole instruments built to extend the boundaries of performance and ease-of-use for quantitation. These additional systems we’re introducing at HUPO are more examples of our ongoing campaign to help scientists radically accelerate the discovery process.”

Other new technology on exhibit at HUPO includes:

The new Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid LC-MS system is making its first HUPO appearance. This novel Tribrid configuration enables users to positively identify larger numbers of low-abundance proteins faster than previously possible with existing commercial instruments. Its unique architecture enables simultaneous precursor isolation, fragmentation, and data acquisition in both the Orbitrap and linear ion trap mass analyzers. More high-quality data can be collected compared to previous instruments, expanding the range of possible experiments.

Attributes include:

• A quadrupole for precursor selection at isolation widths down to 0.4 amu for excellent sensitivity and selectivity;
• An ultra-high-field Orbitrap offering resolution in excess of 450,000 and scan rates up to 15 Hz for unsurpassed selectivity and speed of analysis;
• An ion routing multipole followed by dual-pressure linear ion trap providing MSⁿ HCD, CID and ETD fragmentations and fast, sensitive mass analysis with scan rates of up to 20 Hz. Synchronous precursor selection enhances the instrument’s signal-to-noise performance.

“The Orbitrap Fusion is truly a first-in-class instrument,” explained Dr. Steven Gygi, professor of cell biology at Harvard Medical School. “In my lab, it has been quickly integrated into our quantitative workflows that allow for 10 samples to be compared simultaneously. Absolutely everything about this instrument feels new. The Fusion is not just another entry in the Orbitrap family, but rather a completely new starting place for the future of the field of proteomics.”

“Studying the dynamic rewiring of cellular signaling networks requires state-of-the-art mass spectrometry,” said professor Rune Linding of Technical University of Denmark, an early user. “The Orbitrap Fusion system enables us to push the boundaries and analyze completely new avenues of cellular decision processes, and perform genome-scale studies of how the dynamics in these networks affect cell behavior.” 

The new Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantiva triple stage quadrupole LC-MS system also made its HUPO debut. This new generation platform is designed to transform quantitation experiments with extreme sensitivity, productivity, precision and usability. The TSQ Quantiva system breaks the attogram sensitivity barrier, thanks to its new Active Ion Management (AIM) design. It is also extremely productive, able to perform 500 SRM experiments per second and positive/negative polarity switching in 20ms with no signal loss.

The new Thermo Scientific TSQ Endura triple stage quadrupole LC-MSshares much of the advanced technology of the TSQ Quantiva MS, while also designed to deliver higher uptime than any competitive triple quadrupole instrument in workhorse applications requiring trace level quantitation.

 The newThermo Fisher Scientific Pierce Tandem Mass Tag 10-Plex Isobaric Mass Tag Labeling Kits and Reagents for multiplexed protein identification and quantitative analysis by triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometry.

The newThermo Scientific myECL Imager, a powerful and easy-to-use blot and gel documentation instrument for sensitive, multimode image capture and analysis via an intuitive touch screen interface and advanced integrated software.

Thermo Scientific is one of the premier brands of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

more about Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid LC-MS

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About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of $13 billion, we have 39,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through three premier brands, Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services, which offer a unique combination of innovative technologies, convenient purchasing options and a single solution for laboratory operations management. Our products and services help our customers solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity.

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