Description

Enhancements in chromatography and sub-2 micron columns have caused narrower peak widths, increasing resolution. In addition to high-resolution columns, analysts are demanding shorter chromatographic run times while adding more analytes to a single method. With these two factors at play, it is clear that the LCMS-8050 ultra fast mass spectrometer is needed in order to accurately and reliably detect each compound in a sample.

In order to improve desolvation efficiency, the newly developed heated ESI probe combines a high-temperature gas with the nebulizer spray, assisting in the desolvation of large droplets and facilitating ionization. This development allows for high-sensitivity analysis of a wide range of target compounds.

Both sensitivity and reproducibility are essential when establishing low limits of quantitation. High-precision quantitative results obtained with the LCMS-8050 in the analysis of Verapamil in blood plasma at levels between 500 ag and 50 pg are shown below. Excellent reproducibility with a % RSD of 2.77 % was obtained when analyzing just 500 ag of Verapamil. The LCMS-8050 demonstrates optimal performance for quantitative analysis of even trace components of a complex matrix.

When performing simultaneous positive/negative ion measurements of multiple components, the proper acquisition of sharp UHPLC peaks depends on rapid polarity switching. The LCMS-8050 minimizes losses due to polarity switching and ensures the collection of sufficient data points for even the narrow peaks obtained with UHPLC, recording accurate peak shapes and allowing excellent reproducibility.

The LCMS-8050 uses unique high-voltage power supply technology to achieve an ultra-high-speed positive/negative ionization switching time of just 5 msec. The LCMS-8050 is also the only instrument of its type to maintain ion intensity even when performing polarity switching at ultra-high speed, yielding consistent, reproducible data. Excellent quantitative results can be obtained from UHPLC peaks no more than 2-3 seconds wide, even when multiple components are eluted simultaneously.

The LCMS-8050 is capable of simultaneously obtaining both qualitative and quantitative information in a single analysis. Acquisition occurs so rapidly that MS/MS scans and MRM measurements can be performed concurrently while maintaining quantitative accuracy. MS/MS scans are usable and reliable because even at 30,000 u/sec, Shimadzu uses a 0.1 u scan step.

By controlling the voltage applied to the quadrupoles according to scan speed and m/z, the LCMS-8050 achieves superior ion transmission at any scan speed. And because Shimadzu maintains data collection at 0.1 u intervals, high-quality mass spectra are obtained without loss of sensitivity or mass accuracy.

The LCMS-8050 is capable of simultaneously acquiring 555 MRM transitions per second while maintaining accuracy and precision. Sufficient data points can be collected for quantitation ions, reference ions, and internal standard ions even in chromatographic regions with unresolved peaks. The high sensitivity of the LCMS-8050 allows for trace-level analysis, such as pesticides in drinking water, without the need for sample pre-concentration. This high sensitivity is maintained even when monitoring numerous MRM channels.

In addition to speed and sensitivity, Shimadzu designed the LCMS-8050 for robustness to meet the most demanding laboratory requirements and most difficult matrices. The figure below plots the area results from 1000 consecutive analyses of a deproteinized blood plasma sample spiked with alprazolam. The LCMS-8050 achieves excellent reproducibility with a 4.59 % RSD for the area results over the 1000 analyses.

Shimadzu LCMS-8050