In February 2005, Bruker Daltonics announced a new ESI-Q-q-TOF mass spectrometer. The compact benchtop micrOTOF-Q offers market-leading resolution of 15,000 at full sensitivity, i.e. without any W-reflection and the associated ion losses. It also features routine, robust 3 ppm mass accuracy in MS and MS/MS scans over a wide dynamic range. Due to its new Apollo II ion funnel ESI source, the micrOTOF-Q features outstanding sensitivity. Moreover, its high dynamic range and use of modern electronics and detector technology make it highly suitable for quantitation in proteomics and small molecule analysis.
The specrometer offers the unique SigmaFit precise isotopic profile analysis technology for unprecedented confidence in molecular and fragment identification. SigmaFit analysis is available under automation on-the-fly on both MS and MS/MS spectra as a third dimension for molecular formula generation and identification, which is orthogonal and complementary to accurate mass determination, and to MS/MS fragment information. Together, better than 3 ppm accurate mass and SigmaFit provide near-certainty in identification, whereas accurate mass by itself still can leave considerable ambiguity as to the exact sum formula of a molecule or fragment. The combined analysis offers new levels of specificity in life-science mass spectrometry.
The sysem by design offers fundamentally robust mass accuracy over a high dynamic range to ensure confident mass assignments on both trace and abundant signals simultaneously. Its outstanding speed and 20 full spectra/sec acquisition rate make it ideal for very fast liquid chromatography in proteomics, biomarker discovery and metabolomics. Market-leading resolution is provided across the entire mass range at maximum sensitivity, allowing the scientist to routinely utilize micrOTOF-Q's full potential on all samples.
Dr. Michael Schubert explained: "Innovative design drives the micrOTOF-Q to new standards of performance and convenience. Our new Apollo II ion funnel source raises sensitivity up to ten-fold, and its speed and dynamic range are unprecedented in previous generation Q-q-TOF systems. As a next-generation ESI-Q-q-TOF instrument, the micrOTOF-Q offers leading performance in all aspects and sets a new standard in resolution at full sensitivity, yet it is the most compact design anywhere with a footprint of only 64cm x 94cm and the convenience of a bench-top design."
"We believe the micrOTOF-Q provides the life-science researcher with a unique new discovery and validation tool that represents dramatic progress in life-science mass spectrometry," added Dr. Frank Laukien. "Our unique SigmaFit technology combined with outstanding resolution and accurate mass performance, allow the micrOTOF-Q user to identify or confirm molecules and their fragments with unprecedented specificity and confidence. In summary, we believe that the micrOTOF-Q represents next-generation Q-q-TOF technology that will change the market paradigm, and will drive the ESI-Q-q-TOF market mostly towards convenient, yet extremely powerful benchtop systems."
The micrOTOF-Q seamlessly integrates into various available system solutions: ProteinScape, the proteomics bioinformatics suite which was selected by the HUPO Brain Proteome project as their official worldwide tool, the Proteineer solution for LC and 2D gel-MS/MS based expression proteomics projects, and the Metabolic Profiler solution for metabolomics (with optional full integration into a Bruker Biospin LC/NMR-MS platform).
For pharmaceutical customers, the micrOTOF-Q offers software tools to support customers in achieving 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. Bruker Daltonics also offers optional IQ, OQ and PV services to FDA-regulated customers.
In October 2004, Bruker Daltonics announced the ultraflex II performance-leading MALDI-TOF and TOF/TOF mass spectrometer. The ultraflex II offers major further advancements in the sensitivity, resolution and mass accuracy of TOF/TOF systems for expression proteomics, quantitative proteomics and biomarker discovery. Leading capabilities for peptide de novo sequencing, the analysis of post-translational modifications and even top-down protein primary structure determination are available on the unique ultraflex II.
The ultraflex II establishes a versatile and powerful tool for many areas of proteomics research without compromise, offering next-generation MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF/TOF performance for both peptides and proteins.
The Ultraflex II can be used with the new Prespotted AnchorChip targets in industry-standard microtitre plate (MTP) format. These novel disposable MALDI targets are the next generation of the successful patented AnchorChip technology. They provide the highest sensitivity and most reliable sample preparation without the risk of any cross-contamination that is inherent to reusable targets. With its pre-spotted matrix surface and calibrant spots, the Prespotted AnchorChip represents a new level of user-friendliness, and uncompromising reliability in MALDI-TOF(/TOF) sample preparation. Prespotted AnchorChips are particularly convenient for LC-MALDI applications.
The new ultraflex II can be fully integrated into Bruker Daltonics Proteineer expression proteomics system for peptide mass fingerprinting, peptide fragment analysis and post-translational modifications (PTM) analysis. Beyond the original gel-based Proteineer, the additional Proteineer-LC solution supports LC-MALDI workflows. All the Proteineer solutions include robotics, consumables and bioinformatics to meet highest demands in proteomics routine analysis and research. For LC-MALDI experiments, the ultraflex II utilizes the unique, intelligent WARP-LC processes for the automated results-dependent generation of high-information content results.
In the WARP-LC process, quantitative expression proteomics experiments with stable isotope labeling techniques for complex or multiplexed samples, as well as label-free quantitative proteomics workflows are supported. Another innovation in quantitative proteomics is the two-dimensional peptide imaging of tissues, called MALDI Imaging. MALDI Imaging with Bruker Daltonics' flexImaging software is now an optional, fully supported feature of the ultraflex II.
Moreover, the ultraflex II can also be fully integrated into the Bruker Daltonics ClinProt clinical proteomics solution for high-resolution peptide and protein biomarker discovery, TOF/TOF biomarker identification and robust, reproducible large-scale biomarker validation (for research use only).
The ultraflex II is operated under our powerful COMPASS software for easy data handling. COMPASS integrates seamlessly with the most comprehensive proteomics software suite in the industry, including ProteinScape, which was officially selected by the HUPO HBPP (Human Brain Proteome Project) as a standard bioinformatics tool. The COMPASS Security Pack option for pharmaceutical customers includes audit trails, user management, results history, electronic signatures, and data security to support customers in achieving 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
Our PharmaTools suite for customers in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries ensure high reliability and uptime, excellent training, service and support, and vendor assistance for operating the ultraflex II in regulated environments. PharmaTools offers the validation products IQ (installation qualification) and OQ/PV (operational qualification and performance verification). These products increase productivity by ensuring consistent performance of the instruments over time. Highest quality training, support and service are available for our pharma customers to achieve the utmost in productivity and uptime.
Dr. Michael Schubert stated: "Unsurpassed sensitivity even from minute amount of samples and impressive mass resolution over a wide mass range makes the new ultraflex II the instrument of choice for high-success expression proteomics and advanced biomarker discovery studies. The ultraflex II was designed without compromise as a MALDI-TOF/TOF with excellent performance in linear, reflectron, MS/MS and top-down mode to enable outstanding sensitivity and accuracy in peptide as well as intact protein identification and structural analysis."
He continued: "Our LC-MALDI approach enables our customers to identify low abundance proteins and characterize them in greater detail by MALDI-TOF/TOF. This workflow is further enhanced by our unique integration with LC-ESI-MS/MS data. The resulting LC-ESI-MALDI-MS/MS integrated workflow combines complementary information from both ionization methods, and thus provides new levels of insight."
Dr. Frank Laukien commented: "With the introduction of the novel ultraflex II, we have further enhanced our leadership in MALDI-TOF and TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Using next-generation technologies in combination with our patented wide mass range mode PAN, we have a definitive answer for TOF/TOF researchers pushing the cutting edge of expression and clinical proteomics."
Bruker BioSciences develops life science and advanced materials research tools based on X-ray technology.