SGMS Meeting 2001

Fundamental design principles of a MALDI QIT ToF for high throughput sample analysis

Martin Resch(+) , Gerd Paulus(+) , Neil Loftus(*), Emmanuel Raptakis(*), Rachel Martin(*)
(+) Shimadzu Schweiz GmbH, Römerstrasse 3, CH-4153 Reinach BL
(*) Shimadzu Biotech, Wharfside, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, M17 1GP, UK.

In high throughput sample analysis three criteria are typically applied; sample analysis time, sample capacity and confidence in data assignment. The rate limiting factor is often data processing. To significantly enhance confidence and certainty of data a MALDI Quadrupole Ion Trap Time of Flight mass spectrometer has been developed. This instrument is designed to provide unprecedented levels of structural information through MSn analysis and sequencing with a high degree of confidence derived from the inherent mass accuracy and resolution of the ToF mass analyser.

The AXIMA-QIT-ToF mass spectrometer (Kratos Analytical, UK) configuration incorporates radically new technology in trapping ions, rather than an analogue rf generator for creating the sinusoidal quadrupole electric field a digital ion trap has been developed. The Digital Ion TrapTM technology results in high mass resolution across MS and MSn analysis, constant mass accuracy (10 ppm) across MS and MSn and works with a wide mass range of ions trapped - to 50 kDa.

This paper will focus on certain key design elements and provide an insight into the results generated by a MALDI QIT ToF instrument.