Applied Biosystems introduces next generation mass spectrometry systems

Published: 5-Nov-2008

Applied Biosystems and its joint-venture partner, MDS Analytical Technologies, a business unit of MDS Inc., has introduced of two of the most advanced mass spectrometry systems ever built - the AB SCIEX Triple Quad 5500 and the AB SCIEX QTRAP 5500 Systems. Both will provide researchers with complete workflow solutions that are unmatched in terms of functionality, speed and performance.


Applied Biosystems and its joint-venture partner, MDS Analytical Technologies, a business unit of MDS Inc., has introduced of two of the most advanced mass spectrometry systems ever built - the AB SCIEX Triple Quad 5500 and the AB SCIEX QTRAP 5500 Systems. Both will provide researchers with complete workflow solutions that are unmatched in terms of functionality, speed and performance.

These next-generation systems are the result of a new mass spectrometry platform being introduced by Applied Biosystems/MDS Analytical Technologies. Designed with input from hundreds of customers, this new platform includes state-of-the-art electronics, new ion optics architecture, a number of newly designed components and a 44% smaller footprint than previous systems.

These advancements were made to:

  • increase sensitivity and speed in qualitative analysis;
  • drive the highest quantitative accuracy to the lowest levels of detection for mass spectrometry systems; and,
  • significantly accelerate the speed of analysis compared with other instruments.

To advance a wide variety of life science applications, scientists have been calling for mass spectrometry-based systems to deliver higher performance and greater reproducibility. They are also seeking more accuracy and better integration of quantitative and qualitative capabilities in order to increase the confidence in the results of their experiments.

"Mass spectrometry continues to evolve, with more scientists using this technique for a growing number of new applications," said Laura Lauman, president for Applied Biosystems" proteomics and small molecule division. "These innovative systems incorporate intuitive software and comprehensive support to take performance to a new level. Applied Biosystems and MDS Analytical Technologies remain keenly focused on providing innovative solutions.

"These next-generation systems, which we believe are the most advanced mass spectrometers ever built, further demonstrate our continued commitment to our customers around the world."

The AB SCIEX Triple Quad 5500 System and the AB SCIEX QTRAP 5500 System are powerful and versatile next-generation mass spectrometers that enable complete workflow solutions, comprised of systems, software and applications. These next-generation systems were designed to expand the utility and effectiveness of mass spectrometry.

"We continue to innovate, setting new standards of performance for mass spectrometry systems," said Andy Boorn, president of MDS Analytical Technologies. "The delivery of these next-generation systems is part of our continued focus on pushing the boundaries of innovation, and it is an example of the capabilities of our newly reorganised research and development teams. Applied Biosystems and MDS Analytical Technologies remain committed to the success of our mass spectrometry customers."

The AB SCIEX Triple Quad 5500 System introduces the next-generation in triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, delivering the most accurate quantitative results at the industry's fastest scan speeds to identify the greatest number of target analytes at the lowest concentrations in complex samples. This new level of speed and sensitivity enables a greater amount of data to be acquired from an experiment, which leads to greater quantitative accuracy and lower limits of detection.

The combination of best-in-class sensitivity and unsurpassed speed allows scientists to analyse a comprehensive range of compounds in a shorter period of time than with existing triple quadrupole systems. These capabilities are enabled by new components called eQ Electronics and the Qurved LINAC Collision Cell, which are both designed to generate shorter pause and dwell times, enabling high duty cycles for superior performance. The end result is faster analysis than what was previously possible, enabling scientists to measure a greater number of compounds in a single pass.

The AB SCIEX QTRAP 5500 System integrates triple quadrupole capabilities with a new innovation in ion trap technology called Linear Accelerator Trap for quantitative and qualitative analysis. This combination results in the only system on the market that seamlessly integrates industry-leading sensitivity and high performance for both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

It enables scientists to both identify and confirm results in a single analysis, without sacrificing performance. In qualitative mode, the system can provide up to 100 times more sensitivity, depending on the type of experiment. It also delivers ultra-fast scanning and high capacity, provided by the new eQ Electronics as well as the new Linear Accelerator Trap.

The QTRAP 5500 System also supports multiple experiments on the same instrument. This is made possible by a proprietary innovation called TripleTrap Scanning that allows scientists to move from sensitive, specific, triple quadrupole scan modes to highly sensitive full-scan ion trap mode in less than one millisecond. This facilitates workflow-driven data acquisition that cannot be done on any other mass spectrometry system, as this work typically requires systems for each of these functions.

The advancements in these next-generation mass spectrometers are expected to enable a variety of workflows, designed to advance specific objectives in several important areas of scientific interest, including:

  • drug metabolite identification
  • protein biomarker verification and validation
  • food testing and water analysis

The new AB SCIEX 5500 systems enable powerful solutions when combined with other industry-leading technologies from Applied Biosystems/MDS Analytical Technologies, such as LightSight software for metabolite identification; Cliquid software for food, environmental, forensic and clinical research markets; MRMPilot and MultiQuant software for targeted quantitative proteomics, as well as mTRAQ reagents.

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