Metabolite identification transform mass spectrometer

Multiple mass analyzers exist that can perform tandem mass spectrometry. Some use a tandem-in-space configuration, such as the triple quadrupole mass analyzers illustrated (Fig.3.9). Others use a tandem-in-time configuration and include instruments such as ion-traps (ITMS) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS or FTMS). A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer can only perform the tandem process once for an isolated precursor ion (e.g., MS/MS), but trapping or tandem-in-time instruments can perform repetitive tandem mass spectrometry (MS ), thus adding n 1 degrees of structural characterization and elucidation. When an ion-trap is combined with HPLC and photodiode array detection, the net result is a profiling tool that is a powerful tool for both metabolite profiling and metabolite identification. 

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) either coupled to MS or to laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is less often used in metabolomics approaches. This method is faster than the others and needs a smaller sample size, thereby making it especially interesting for single cell analysis [215] The most sensitive mass spectrometers are the Orbitrap and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) MS [213]. These machines determine the mass-to-charge ratio of a metabolite so accurate that its empirical formula can be predicted, making them the techniques of choice for the identification of unknown peaks. 

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