Nanoelectrospray ionization coupled to a linear charge detection array ion trap spectrometer for single viral...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Mass spectrometry is crucial for molecular analysis.
• Current methods face limitations in high-throughput single-particle analysis.
• Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry (CDMS) offers potential for precise measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a novel, stand-alone CDMS design.
• To enable high-throughput metrology of viruses at the single-particle level.
• To integrate CDMS with nanoelectrospray ionization.

Main Methods:

• Developed a linear charge detection array ion trap spectrometer.
• Utilized an eight-tube detector array with conical electrodes.
• Employed ion optics simulations for instrument design.
• Integrated nanoelectrospray ionization for sample introduction.

Main Results:

• The CDMS operates in both transmission and ion trapping modes.
• Successfully measured time-of-flight and charge of individual ions.
• Demonstrated high-throughput metrology of human norovirus-like particles and Adenovirus Ad(5).

Conclusions:

• The new CDMS design facilitates stand-alone operation.
• The instrument enables precise single-particle virus characterization.
• This technology advances high-throughput viral metrology.