Every Ion Counts: 4-D Mass Spectrometry

最近的创新已经将质谱（MS）提升为一种无处不在且不可或缺的分析技术。然而，该仪器日益复杂，已逐渐将其变成一个封闭的系统，其中特定的方法只适用于范围很窄的明确定义的应用/分析。我们提出了一种新的和激进的方法，我们如何进行离子光谱分析-新的操作模式，这样的实验。这一概念的关键使能器依赖于MS分析的两种新模式，其中除了传统的正模式和负模式之外，还可以获得对比极性-我们称之为“四维（4D）MS”。4D MS策略有可能生成高达50%的分析数据，并在任何普通的独立质谱仪上进行新的实验，包括异构体区分，增强混合物分类和高置信度分子量分配。该项目可以导致形成新的MS能力，通过4D-MS提供更全面的测量手段。

Recent innovations have elevated mass spectrometry (MS) into a ubiquitous and indispensable analytical technique. However, the increasing complexity of the instrument has gradually turned it into a closed system whereby specific methods are suitable for only a narrow range of well-defined applications/analyses. We propose a new and radical approach to how we perform ion spectrometric analyses - new modes of operation for such experiments. The key enabler of this concept relies on two novel modes for MS analysis in which contrasting polarities are accessible in addition to the traditional positive and negative modes - what we have termed "four dimensional (4D) MS". The 4D MS strategy has potential to generate up to 50% more analytical data, and to enable new experiments including isomer differentiation, enhanced mixture classification and high confidence molecular weight assignments on any ordinary standalone mass spectrometer. This project can lead to the formation of new MS capability providing a means for more comprehensive measurement by way of 4D-MS.