Applications and Capabilities

LTQ XL / ETD

Thermo Finnigan’s LTQ XL/ETD is and advanced Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer (MS) giving researchers a wide range of options for sample analysis. The LTQ is attached to a Nano-Flow Liquid Chromatography (LC) system allowing efficient peptide separation prior to MS analysis. Alternatively the LTQ can be used without online LC to directly inject samples into the ion source via its onboard syringe pump.

The ion source is generally configured for Nano-Flow, Electro-Spray Ionisation (ESI) MS, however options are available for both Micro-Flow ESI and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation (APCI). Detection is possible in both positive and negative ion modes.

 

Thermo Finnigan’s LTQ XL/ETD

 

The LTQ is capable of collecting both full MS and MS/MS data up to MS10 in both data dependent and independent processes, and as well as offering multiple forms of MS/MS dissociation.

The LTQ is able to perform the commonly used Collision Induced Dissociation (CID), Pulsed Q Induced Dissociation (PQD) which extends the low mass range of the LTQ from 200u to 50u in MS/MS mode and Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD) a softer dissociation method which yields extensive fragmentation whilst preserving labile post translational modifications (PTMs). These dissociation options make it possible to get more information out of your sample particularly for the analysis of PTM’s.

As well as providing a high degree of sequence information for protein identification other applications of the LTQ include:

 

  • The ability to perform quantitative differential expression analysis
  • Metabolite identification and quantification
  • High speed LC methods
  • Drug and forensic screening