Breakthrough Research Method for the Detection and Absolute Quantification of Metabolites using GC-MS/MS-MRM Technology

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc announced an innovative new method for the detection and absolute quantification of
metabolites based on the Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum XLS in multiple reaction mode (MRM). Using this advanced
triple stage quadrupole GC-MS/MS-MRM technology, scientists are now able to conduct both discovery phase analysis and selective identification and quantification analysis with a single instrument. The high sensitivity and selectivity of
the method enables scientists to effectively study plant metabolism and perform phytohormone profiling.

Success in metabolomics, a relatively new area of study that observes the unique chemical fingerprints that cellular
processes leave behind, is heavily influenced by the capabilities of analytical instrumentation. This is largely due to the physio-chemical diversity of biological small molecules. Varied and flexible analytical strategies such as GC-MS, LC-MS & MS/MS are therefore essential and often need to be combined. Analysis of low concentration endogenous metabolites in complex biological samples is often challenging due to the chromatographic co-elution of different components. The use of LC or GC-MS/MS strategies is necessary to improve the selectivity of targeted metabolomics assays.

The TSQ Quantum XLS extends the market-leading range of Thermo Scientific mass spectrometry solutions for
metabolomics applications, delivering the necessary mass accuracy, resolution and speed required to provide sensitive, high quality quantitation in metabolomics studies. The ability to use a single instrument when performing both the screening and quantitation of metabolites not only accelerates the process, thereby increasing throughput, but also provides optimised reproducibility in fragmentation pattern, peak intensities and mass accuracies. In addition, compounds that typically cannot be separated through gas chromatography can be separated using compound-specific MRM transitions in a single run.

The TSQ Quantum XLS features the innovative Thermo Scientific DuraBrite IRIS ion source, which ensures high sensitivity in the low  femtogram range, excellent quantitative precision at trace levels and uninterrupted operation for increased productivity.

In addition to offering maximum precision, sensitivity and laboratory productivity for quantitative GC-MS analysis, the  TSQ Quantum XLS offers the unique ability to combine full scan MS analyses of metabolites and targeted analysis. Using the TSQ Quantum XLS, metabolome coverage can be achieved with accurate and selective identification and
quantification, while achieving high sample throughput.