Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technology with strong specificity, high sensitivity, high throughput and low detection cost that provides qualitative and quantitative analytical data for analytes ranging from nanomolar to atomic molar amounts. In MS analysis, the molecules of interest are vaporized and ionized, and the mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios of molecular ions are determined. When these gas-phase ions are broken into characteristic fragments, the measured fragment masses provide information about the molecular structure of the original ions [1]. MS has been used for the characterization of small molecules for nearly a century. Due to the need to identify, characterize and quantify larger biopolymers, such as proteins, in increasingly complex samples, various new mass spectrometry-based analytical platforms and experimental strategies have also emerged.
As a professional testing and analysis organization, Alfa Chemistry has an experienced technical team that employs an advanced technology platform to meet the full range of our clients' mass spectrometry needs. Our technology platform can provide you with a variety of services.
Our Technology Platforms
Coupling a mass spectrometer to a gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC) system; that is, the separation of the sample is achieved by chromatography, and the separated compounds enter the mass spectrometer in turn for ionization, separation, and detection of the generated ions [2].
By linking the chromatography system to the mass spectrometer in this way, two pieces of information are generated for each analysis: the retention time and mass spectral information of each separated compound, both of which can be used to compare with the appropriate reference standard [2].
The introduction of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) that involves multiple stages of mass spectrometry with fragmentation of precursor ions (MS1) to highly specific fragment ions (MS2) has led to significant improvements in the rate and reproducibility of analyte identification and quantification [3]. Tandem mass spectrometry, especially in combination with liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS), has become an indispensable part of modern analytical tools.
Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) and Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) are highly sensitive analytical techniques that combine efficient separation with multi-stage mass analysis. They enable precise qualitative and quantitative detection of trace compounds across complex matrices, supporting applications in environmental, food, pharmaceutical, and biological analysis.
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) using Orbitrap or TOF technology provides exceptional mass accuracy and resolving power for identifying and characterizing complex compounds. These instruments enable confident molecular formula determination, detection of unknowns, and high-precision quantification, widely supporting research in pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, and metabolomics.
MALDI–TOF Mass Spectrometry enables rapid, high-throughput analysis of biomolecules and polymers by generating intact ions with minimal fragmentation. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides ultra-trace elemental detection with excellent sensitivity, supporting applications such as environmental monitoring, food safety, and pharmaceutical impurity analysis.
Liquid Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (LSI/MS) is a surface-sensitive technique that uses a liquid ion source to gently sputter and ionize molecules, enabling high-resolution analysis of organic, biological, and polymer materials. It is ideal for characterizing molecular composition, surface chemistry, and delicate samples with minimal fragmentation.
Field Desorption Mass Spectrometry (FD/MS) provides soft ionization for analyzing nonvolatile, thermally sensitive organic compounds with minimal fragmentation. Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) enables high-resolution surface analysis by detecting secondary ions from the top atomic layers, offering detailed chemical imaging for materials, polymers, and biological samples.
Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) enables sensitive detection of volatile and semi-volatile compounds by releasing analytes through controlled heating, followed by chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric identification. It is widely used for environmental monitoring, material emissions testing, indoor air quality assessment, and product safety analysis.
Headspace Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (Headspace GC-MS) enables efficient analysis of volatile compounds released from solid or liquid samples without direct injection, making it ideal for food, environmental, and packaging analysis. Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) thermally decomposes materials to identify polymers, additives, and degradation products, supporting plastics, coatings, and forensic investigations.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MS Imaging) is a powerful technique that maps the spatial distribution of molecules directly on sample surfaces. By combining mass analysis with imaging, it provides detailed chemical profiles of tissues, materials, and biological samples, enabling label-free visualization of metabolites, lipids, drugs, and other compounds.
References
- Romanova, E. V.; et al. Mass spectrometry of proteins. Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology. 2017.
- Smith, R. W. Mass spectrometry. Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. 2013: 603-608.
- Cotter, D. R.; et al. Proteomics for diagnostic and therapeutic blood biomarker discovery in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Personalized Psychiatry. 2020: 307-317.
Our services are for research use only.
