Mass Spectrometer; Orbitrap (Q Exactive) Instrument with nanoLC System, Thermo Fisher Scientific

For the analysis of peptides or proteins, mass spectrometers with a very high mass resolution (app. 200,000-300,000) are required. These demands ensure that the peptides can be reliably identified and isobaric inferences, which may lead to misinterpretations, are avoided. The required resolving power can only be guaranteed by a few mass analysers like the here presented orbitrap. Orbitraps are characterized by the fact that the analyte ions circle around a spindle-shaped electrode on so-called orbits. The m/z ratio can be deduced from the frequency of the movement. This design also enables collision experiments.

The mass spectrometer (Q Exactive) is equipped with an ESI source by the manufacturer. However, the ESI source can be replaced by a NanoESI source so that coupling with a nanoLC is possible. Nano approaches minimize ion suppression and ensure that as many analytes as possible can still be detected even at low concentrations. In addition, the analytes can be enriched, which is particularly relevant for the questions to be addressed, since high sensitivity must be ensured due to the low concentrations in which the analytes are present.

General description: Orbitrap instrument with nanoLC System
Application aim: peptides/proteins
Mobility: stationary
Equipment specifics:
- particularly high-resolution mass analyzer
Application requirements: air-conditioned environment with nitrogen supply
Sample required: yes
Contact required: yes
Interaction spot dimensions: depends
Set up time: 1 h
Average time for measuring: depends on the method, the research issue and the sample between 1 minute and several hours
Average time for processing: 1-4 hours
Software package: the system is operated with the manufacturer's software from Thermo
Output: .raw
Contact: Marina Creydt, marina.creydt"AT"uni-hamburg.de
Location of the equipment: Hamburg School of Food Science, HSFS (Grindelallee 117, Hamburg)