Mass Spectrometry MS
Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique utilized in various scientific fields to identify, quantify, and characterize compounds. It is particularly valuable in determining the molecular structure, elemental composition, and isotopic ratios of substances.
Applications of Mass Spectrometry
- Drug discovery: Identifying and characterizing new drug candidates.
- Environmental analysis: Detecting and measuring pollutants in air, water, and soil.
- Forensic science: Analyzing biological samples for identification and drug testing.
- Food safety: Assessing food quality and detecting contaminants.
- Biochemistry: Studying proteins, peptides, and other biological molecules.
Advantages of Mass Spectrometry
- High sensitivity: Detects trace amounts of compounds.
- Accuracy and precision: Provides precise measurements of molecular mass.
- Structural elucidation: Determines the molecular structure of compounds.
- Isotopic analysis: Measures the isotopic composition of elements.
- Versatility: Applicable to a wide range of analytes and sample types.
Types of Mass Spectrometers
* Quadrupole mass spectrometers
* Time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers
* Ion trap mass spectrometers
* Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometers
Each type has its advantages and is suitable for specific applications.