Every Ion Counts: 4-D Mass Spectrometry

最近的创新已将质谱仪(MS)提升为一种无处不在且不可或缺的分析技术。然而，仪器的日益复杂已逐渐使其成为一个封闭的系统，从而使具体方法仅适用于少数明确定义的应用/分析。我们提出了一种新的、激进的方法来执行离子光谱分析--这类实验的新操作模式。这一概念的关键推动者依赖于两种用于MS分析的新模式，在这两种模式中，除了传统的正模式和负模式外，还可以使用对比极性-我们称之为“四维(4D)MS”。4DMS策略有可能产生高达50%的分析数据，并允许在任何普通独立质谱仪上进行新的实验，包括异构体区分、增强的混合物分类和高置信度的分子量分配。该项目可以形成新的MS能力，为通过4D-MS进行更全面的测量提供了手段。

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.