Orbitrap

Definition

An orbitrap is a type of mass analyzer used in mass spectrometry that traps ions in an electrostatic field and measures their oscillation frequencies to determine their mass-to-charge ratios. This technology allows for high-resolution mass measurements, making it particularly valuable for analyzing complex mixtures and conducting detailed structural elucidation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The orbitrap provides high resolution and accuracy, often exceeding 1 million in resolution, making it ideal for distinguishing between closely related ions.
2. It utilizes a unique design where ions are trapped in an electrostatic field created by a central spindle and surrounding electrodes, leading to their stable oscillation.
3. The measurement principle relies on Fourier transform analysis, converting the time-domain signal of ion oscillations into frequency-domain data for precise mass determination.
4. Orbitraps are commonly used in proteomics and metabolomics for identifying proteins and metabolites in complex biological samples.
5. Due to its sensitivity and dynamic range, the orbitrap can analyze samples at low concentrations, which is beneficial for detecting rare compounds in complex mixtures.

Review Questions

• How does the orbitrap's design contribute to its ability to achieve high-resolution mass measurements?
  • The orbitrap's design incorporates an electrostatic field that traps ions in a stable orbit around a central spindle. This unique setup allows ions to oscillate in a way that their frequencies can be measured very accurately. By analyzing these frequencies through Fourier transform methods, the orbitrap can achieve resolutions often exceeding 1 million. This capability enables the instrument to differentiate between closely spaced masses, which is essential for precise analysis in complex samples.
• Discuss the advantages of using orbitrap mass analyzers in structural elucidation compared to other mass spectrometry techniques.
  • Orbitrap mass analyzers offer several advantages for structural elucidation over other techniques like quadrupoles or time-of-flight instruments. Firstly, their exceptional resolution allows researchers to distinguish between compounds that may differ by only a fraction of a Dalton. Additionally, their high sensitivity means that even low-abundance species can be detected and analyzed. The ability to perform accurate tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments with high-quality fragmentation patterns further enhances their utility for determining molecular structures and identifying complex mixtures.
• Evaluate how the incorporation of orbitrap technology has impacted the field of proteomics and metabolomics.
  • The incorporation of orbitrap technology has significantly advanced the fields of proteomics and metabolomics by providing researchers with tools to analyze complex biological samples with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity. The ability to identify proteins and metabolites at low concentrations means that critical biological insights can be gleaned from minute amounts of sample material. Additionally, the detailed mass spectra generated by orbitraps facilitate accurate quantification and structural characterization, leading to better understanding of biological processes. Overall, this technology has enabled breakthroughs in biomarker discovery and personalized medicine by allowing for more comprehensive profiling of biological systems.

Related terms

Mass Spectrometry: A technique that measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions to identify and quantify molecules in a sample.

Ion Trap: A device used to confine ions in a small space, allowing for their manipulation and analysis based on their mass-to-charge ratios.

Resolution: The ability of a mass spectrometer to distinguish between two closely spaced peaks in a mass spectrum, often expressed as the ratio of the mass of the ion to the width of the peak.