Thermo Fisher Introduces Orbitrap Mass Spectrometers for Molecular-Level Isotope Ratio Analysis
Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Isora Mass Spectrometer and Orbitrap Isora Pro Mass Spectrometer, its first Orbitrap instruments with a dedicated isotope ratio analysis mode.
Together with the Thermo Scientific Vanquish Duo UHPLC System and new Isotope Discoverer Software, the instruments comprise an integrated workflow for molecular-level isotope ratio analysis. Isotope ratio analysis can be used to investigate the origin of compounds and the molecular processes that shaped them.
Potential applications include food and beverage authenticity by tracing the sources and pathways of contaminants.
The company said the new workflow was intended to make isotope ratio analysis, which has traditionally required specialized laboratories and expertise, accessible to a broader range of researchers.
Unlike traditional isotope ratio techniques that require samples to be converted to a simple gas, the Orbitrap Isora workflow measures isotope ratios directly at the molecular level, according to Thermo Fisher. The company said the workflow also consolidates analysis steps that previously required multiple script-based tools and manual data processing, with the aim of producing results in hours rather than days.
The workflow includes:
- Orbitrap Isora MS and Orbitrap Isora Pro MS: The instruments combine electrospray ionization (ESI) with high-resolution accurate-mass (HRAM) detection to measure isotopologues and isotope ratios directly from intact molecular ions. Both capture multiple isotopes in a single run. The Orbitrap Isora MS offers up to 240K maximum resolution at m/z 200, while the Orbitrap Isora Pro MS offers up to 480K maximum resolution at m/z 200.
- Vanquish Duo UHPLC System: The system automates the introduction of samples and reference materials, using known standards to support isotope ratio measurements.
- Isotope Discoverer Software: The software extracts isotope ratios, filters data, and applies corrections within a single environment.
Thermo Fisher Scientific: www.thermofisher.com
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