High Performance Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry Without Ultra-High Vacuum

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Brief Description

Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) measurements of individual ions using either Orbitrap or electrostatic ion trap-based instruments have heretofore been performed under ultra-high vacuum conditions (10-9 Torr or lower). The rationale for this expensive and often cumbersome requirement is that these measurements need to be performed in an environment where collisions with background gas do not adversely affect the measurements. 

UC Berkeley researchers have developed systems and methods  that enable accurate CDMS mass measurements at pressures that are as high as 1 × 10−4 Torr, multiple orders of magnitude higher than previously demonstrated. Consistent, accurate masses were obtained for pentameric antibody complexes (~800 kDa), adeno-associated viruses (~4.8 MDa), and both ~50 and ~100 nm diameter polystyrene nanoparticles (~35 MDa and ~330 MDa, respectively) at pressures ranging from 1 × 10−8 Torr to 1 × 10−6 Torr. 

Suggested uses

• use with Charge detection mass spectrometry instruments

Advantages

• no need for the use of expensive pumps, chambers, and fittings as well as cumbersome venting/pump-down 
• less instrument downtime
• allows for CDMS instrument designs that are significantly more compact and cost-effective.