apex ultra
A Hybrid Qh-FTMS for the analysis of highly complex samples
FTMS Flexibility and Performance for the Most Challenging Problems
FTMS is synonymous with performance. The apex-ultra combines the power of FTMS with the latest quadrupole technology (complete with linear ion trapping modes) and superb multipole collision cell for a quantum leap in analytical capability. The unique geometry provides facile and efficient precursor mass selection with collision induced dissociation in the Qh "front end" to the FTMS for on-the-fly LC-MS/FTMS analysis. Moreover, the Qh “front end” to the FTMS provides the added functionality for the enrichment of low abundant species via mass selective accumulation.
Features of the apex-ultra include:
- LC/MS/MS with data dependent acquisition using Bruker’s unified Compass software package
- Exact mass MS analysis to sub-ppm levels for unambiguous determination of elemental chemical composition. The GMF™ automated software to confirm composition with m/z and isotopic pattern information
- Exact mass MS(n) capability for detailed structural analysis and peptide sequencing
- Continuous Accumulation of Selected Ions (CASI™) for the enrichment of low abundant species for MS and MS/MS
- ECD and Qh-CID for tandem MS strategies and “top-down” proteomics
- New software tools for analyzing rich “top-down” data for intact proteins
- Extreme resolution capability for direct analysis of complex mixtures (> 900,000 FWHM at 7.0 tesla)
- Wide m/z range simultaneous detection of ions (e.g. 100 - 10,000 m/z)
- Sub fmol sensitivity.
Watch "The apex-Qe hybrid FTMS: From Sequence to Function - Going beyond the Identity" in a 28 minute webseminar presentation by Michael Easterling, Bruker Daltonics Inc., Billerica, MA, USA.Improved Resolution, Mass Accuracy
The new apex-ultra extends further extends the power of FTMS with improved mass accuracy and resolving power. This is accomplished through the development of tailored, low noise detection electronics. The apex-ultra is capable of sub-ppm mass accuracy and resolving powers of greater than 900,000 at m/z 400 at 7 tesla, or greater than 1,500,000 at m/z 400 at 9.4 tesla. This represents unparalleled resolution for interrogating proteins and protein fragments, as well as complex mixtures of small molecules in metabolomics or petroleomics. Even higher resolving power and better mass accuracy are available at 12 tesla or 15 tesla.
Increased m/z range and data acquisition rates
The apex-ultra also includes improved Qh-electronics for extended mass range performance from m/z 100 to m/z 10,000. Extending the mass range for ion transmission addresses a wider range of applications, such as the investigation of non-covalent complexes. The data acquisition rates have also been significantly increased with the introduction of the new Nanobay™ console, which incorporates asynchronous data pipelines. The Nanobay enables the apex-ultra to acquire data faster than one spectrum per second with resolving power of greater than 100,000, suitable for LC-FTMS and LC-MS/FTMS.
Extended performance accessories
Magnet Choices: Bruker Daltonics offers ultra high performance actively shielded magnet technology with 7 Tesla on the standard apex-ultra system. In addition extended performance versions of apex-ultra are available at 9.4, 12 tesla and now 15 tesla – the world's highest commercially available FTMS field strength!
Performance, Versatility, Confidence: Many important analytical properties increase with the square of magnetic field strength. Capabilities such as FTMS dynamic range, center of mass collision energy and ion storage capacity show quadratic enhancement with field. With the modularity of our design, obtaining higher field strength systems from Bruker Daltonics can be done on initial order or as a magnet retrofit to existing systems on site.
Ion Source Flexibility: While FTMS is ideally suited to liquid introduction, atmospheric pressure ionization techniques such as Electrospray (standard), APCI and Nanospray, Bruker Daltonics now offers a unique integrated ESI and MALDI ion source solution – The Apollo II Dual ESI/MALDI source. In just seconds the Apollo II Dual Source gives users the ability to switch to and from ESI and MALDI ionization with just the touch of a button. The intermediate pressure MALDI source offers exquisite sensitivity and preserves parent ion fidelity throughout the complete FTMS detection process
- click for larger image
Applications
Mass accuracy with absolute confidence
With the apex-ultra, high quality, exact mass measurement tools are only a mouse click away. Unrivaled mass accuracy is routine for intact molecular analysis by MS and structural questions can be addressed via MS/MS without internal standards or recalibration. The GMF tool lists and rates possible empirical formulas consistent with the mass measurement. In addition, comparison of the entire experimental true isotope pattern of the sample with candidate theoretical profiles further validates the elemental composition. These features, provided with superior resolution, make the apex-ultra the ultimate platform for analyzing complex mixtures of small molecules (e.g. metabolites, petroleum fractions, etc.).
Comprehensive tools for protein characterization
A unique feature of the apex-ultra is the mass-selective, continuous enrichment of low abundant species, e.g. selected post-translational modifications (PTMs). This represents an invaluable tool for top-down proteomics, as an enriched protein form can be investigated using an array of fragmentation methods including CID, ECD, and/or IRMPD to produce exceptionally information-rich spectra.
Top-down proteomics requires unique processing tools that can effectively extract mass information from intrinsically very complex spectra. To facilitate this, the powerful Bruker Daltonics Compass™ software suite now includes:
- SNAP2™, a peak-picking module that accurately determines and extracts monoisotopic mass information from high resolution data for large proteins and protein fragments,
- Optional: MaxEnt, a charge deconvolution method that is based on the popular Maximum Entropy algorithm for accurate and complete account of charge to produce a neutral-based mass spectrum, and
- Optional: BioTools™ for de novo sequencing, sequence annotation, and evaluation of results from protein database searches, e.g. using MASCOT.
Technical Data
Ion Source
- Apollo II Dual ESI/MALDI ion source solution (MALDI with standard MTP target)
- APPI, APCI, Nanospray (optional)
- Apollo II ESI source and Dual source supports the adaption of the Advion Nanomate
- On-line Nanospray Source (standard)
Magnets
- Actively shielded designs for small, stray field “footprint”
- Refrigerated magnets for low maintenance operation
- 7.0, 9.4, 12 and 15 T magnets
MSn Capabilities
- Rapid MS/MS fragmentation in collision cell using CID – standard
- ECD (Electron Capture Dissociation) in analyzer cell – standard
- SORI (Sustained Off-Resonance Irradiation) fragmentation in analyzer cell - standard
- MSn fragmentation with IRMPD (Infrared Multiphoton Dissociation) (optional)
