Improved sensitivity and mass range in time-of-flight bioaerosol mass spectrometry using an electrostatic ion guide

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2005 Nov;16(11):1866-75. doi: 10.1016/j.jasms.2005.06.013. Epub 2005 Sep 29.

Abstract

Bioearosol mass spectrometry (BAMS) analyzes single particles in real time from ambient air, placing strict demands on instrument sensitivity. Modeling of the BAMS reflectron time of flight (TOF) with SIMION revealed design limitations associated with ion transmission and instrument sensitivity at higher masses. Design and implementation of a BAMS linear TOF with electrostatic ion guide and delayed extraction capabilities has greatly increased the sensitivity and mass range relative to the reflectron design. Initial experimental assessment of the new instrument design revealed improved sensitivity at high masses as illustrated when using standard particles of cytochrome C (m/z approximately 12,000), from which the compound's monomer, dimer (m/z approximately 24,000) and trimer (m/z approximately 36,000) were readily detected.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols / analysis*
  • Aerosols / chemistry*
  • Air Microbiology*
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Electrochemistry / instrumentation*
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Ions
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / instrumentation*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods
  • Static Electricity

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Biomarkers
  • Ions