Multidimensional multiple-stage tandem processing of
ions is demonstrated
successfully in a novel segmented linear ion trap. The enhanced performance
is enabled by incorporating the entire range of ion activation methods
into a single platform in a highly dynamic fashion. The ion activation
network comprises external injection of reagent ions, radical neutral
species, photons, electrons, and collisions with neutrals. Axial segmentation
of the two-dimensional trapping field provides access to a unique
functionality landscape through a system of purpose-designed regions
for processing ions with maximum flexibility. Design aspects of the
segmented linear ion trap, termed the Omnitrap platform, are highlighted,
and motion of ions trapped by rectangular waveforms is investigated
experimentally by mapping the stability diagram, tracing secular frequencies,
and exploring different isolation techniques. All fragmentation methods
incorporated in the Omnitrap platform involving radical chemistry
are shown to provide complete sequence coverage for partially unfolded
ubiquitin. Three-stage (MS3) tandem mass spectrometry experiments
combining collision-induced dissociation of radical ions produced
by electron meta-ionization and further involving two intermediate
steps of ion isolation and accumulation are performed with high efficiency,
producing information rich spectra with signal-to-noise levels comparable
to those obtained in a two-stage (MS2) experiment. The advanced capabilities
of the Omnitrap platform to provide in-depth top-down MSn characterization
of proteins are portrayed. Performance is further enhanced by connecting
the Omnitrap platform to an Orbitrap mass analyzer, while successful
integration with time-of-flight analyzers has already been demonstrated.
A new approach based on the uniform supersonic flow technique -a cold, thermalized de Laval expansion offering the advantage of performing experiments with condensable species -has been developed to study ion-molecule reactions at low temperatures. It employs a mass-selective radio frequency transfer line to capture and select ions from an adaptable ionization source and to inject the selected ions in the core of the supersonic expansion where rate coefficients and product branching can be measured from room temperature down to ∼ 15 K. The transfer line incorporates segmented ion guides combining quadrupolar and octapolar field orders to maximize transmission through the differential apertures and the large pressure gradients encountered between the ionization source (∼ mbar), the quadrupole mass filter (∼ 10 −5 mbar), and the de Laval expansion (∼ mbar). All components were designed to enable the injection of cations and anions of virtually any m/z ratio up to 200 at near ground potential, allowing for a precise control over the momentum and thermalization of the ions in the flow. The kinetics and branching ratios of a selection of reactions have been examined to validate the approach. The technique will be instrumental in providing new insight on the reactivity of polyatomic ions and molecular cluster ions in astrophysical and planetary environments.
We discuss the design, development, and evaluation of
an Orbitrap/time-of-flight
(TOF) mass spectrometry (MS)-based instrument with integrated UV photodissociation
(UVPD) and time/mass-to-charge ratio (m/z)-resolved imaging for the comprehensive study of the higher-order
molecular structure of macromolecular assemblies (MMAs). A bespoke
TOF analyzer has been coupled to the higher-energy collisional dissociation
cell of an ultrahigh mass range hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap MS. A 193
nm excimer laser was employed to photofragment MMA ions. A combination
of microchannel plates (MCPs)-Timepix (TPX) quad and MCPs-phosphor
screen-TPX3CAM assemblies have been used as axial and orthogonal imaging
detectors, respectively. The instrument can operate in four different
modes, where the UVPD-generated fragment ions from the native MMA
ions can be measured with high-mass resolution or imaged in a mass-resolved
manner to reveal the relative positions of the UVPD fragments postdissociation.
This information is intended to be utilized for retrieving higher-order
molecular structural details that include the conformation, subunit
stoichiometry, and molecular interactions as well as to understand
the dissociation dynamics of the MMAs in the gas phase.
MS SPIDOC is a novel sample delivery system designed for single (isolated) particle imaging at X-ray Free-Electron Lasers that is adaptable towards most large-scale facility beamlines. Biological samples can range from small proteins to MDa particles. Following nano-electrospray ionization, ionic samples can be m/z-filtered and structurally separated before being oriented at the interaction zone. Here, we present the simulation package developed alongside this prototype. The first part describes how the front-to-end ion trajectory simulations have been conducted. Highlighted is a quadrant lens; a simple but efficient device that steers the ion beam within the vicinity of the strong DC orientation field in the interaction zone to ensure spatial overlap with the X-rays. The second part focuses on protein orientation and discusses its potential with respect to diffractive imaging methods. Last, coherent diffractive imaging of prototypical T = 1 and T = 3 norovirus capsids is shown. We use realistic experimental parameters from the SPB/SFX instrument at the European XFEL to demonstrate that low-resolution diffractive imaging data (q < 0.3 nm−1) can be collected with only a few X-ray pulses. Such low-resolution data are sufficient to distinguish between both symmetries of the capsids, allowing to probe low abundant species in a beam if MS SPIDOC is used as sample delivery.
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