Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS)
Overview
At Outermost Technology, we provide state-of-the-art Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) services, a powerful analytical technique that combines the physical separation capabilities of liquid chromatography with the mass analysis capabilities of mass spectrometry. This advanced method is essential for the precise identification and quantification of complex mixtures in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, biotechnology, and food safety.
Our LC-MS services offer unparalleled sensitivity and specificity, making it possible to detect and analyze compounds even at trace levels. This is particularly crucial in applications where accuracy and detailed molecular information are vital. Whether you’re looking to analyze small molecules, large proteins, or complex biological samples, our LC-MS solutions provide comprehensive insights into the chemical composition and structure of your samples.
The team at Outermost Technology is equipped with cutting-edge technology and possesses deep expertise in LC-MS techniques. We are committed to providing high-quality, reliable data that can help in new drug development, toxicology studies, metabolic profiling, and much more. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each project, ensuring that our clients receive the most relevant and accurate data for their research and development efforts.
Choose Outermost Technology for your LC-MS analysis needs and benefit from our dedication to precision, efficiency, and customer service. Let our expertise in Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry drive your projects to success with insights that only advanced analytical techniques can provide.
Here are some examples of when to use LCMS analysis:
- Pharmaceuticals and drug development
- Environmental testing
- Food safety and quality
- Clinical diagnostics and toxicology
- Proteomics and metabolomics
- Analysis of complex chemical mixtures
- Characterization of synthetic and natural products
- Forensic analysis
- Biotechnological products including proteins and other biologics
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Characterization of polymers and advanced materials
Services
- Identification of unknown chemicals from complex mixture.
- Quantitative analysis of specific compounds.
- Molecular weight, chemical structure and formula
- Metabolite identification
- Impurity detection and isomer separation
- Food contaminants
Pricing
- Regular service: Starts from $675/sample. Turnaround time is 7 – 10 days. Expedited service available.
- Setup fee of $500 will be added per test batch.
- Method development will be additional depending on the type of samples.
Equipment
- Column Capacity: 4
- Depth: 468 mm
- Flow Range: 0.05 – 5 mL/min or 0.2 to 10 mL/min
- Injection range: 0.1 – 100 uL or 0.1 – 900 uL with extended injection range option
- Maximum # of Solvents: 4 or up to 15 with additional solvent selection valve
- Maximum # of Temperature Zones: 2 with G7116A/B
- System Pressure Operation Range: Up to 600 bar
FAQ
A: LC-MS/MS combines liquid chromatography (LC) to separate mixtures based on their chemical properties, with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to identify and quantify the compounds based on their mass and charge.
A: It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food safety, clinical research, and proteomics for identifying and quantifying compounds, detecting contaminants, and studying metabolic pathways.
A: LC-MS/MS can analyze a wide range of samples, including biological fluids (blood, urine), environmental samples (water, soil), food products, and chemical mixtures.
A: Its high sensitivity, specificity, and ability to analyze complex mixtures without needing extensive sample preparation make it preferred for quantitative analysis.
A: LC-MS/MS is used for compounds that are thermally unstable or have high molecular weights, which are difficult to analyze by GC-MS. LC-MS/MS operates at ambient temperatures, unlike GC-MS which requires vaporization of samples.
A: Yes, the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) part allows for the fragmentation of selected ions, providing structural information that helps distinguish between structurally similar compounds.
A: Limitations include the cost of the equipment, the need for highly trained personnel, matrix effects that can affect quantitation, and the potential for ion suppression or enhancement.
A: Sample preparation varies by sample type but generally involves steps like filtration, dilution, or extraction to concentrate the analyte and remove interfering substances.
A: The mobile phase, which consists of solvents, helps to transport the sample through the LC column and plays a critical role in the separation of compounds based on their affinity to the stationary phase and solubility in the mobile phase.
A: Yes, LC-MS/MS is a powerful tool for biomarker discovery. It can identify and quantify potential biomarkers in complex biological samples, aiding in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and understanding disease mechanisms.
References
Reading
- Wiki
- ScienceDirect
- Brief introduction by Certara
- Introduction by Agilent
- NIH
Videos