Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy

An ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) absorption spectrum has been obtained by exciting an ICR spectral segment with a fixed-frequency electric field pulse, followed by broad-band detection, digitization of the (time-domain) transient response, and digital Fourier transformation to produce the (frequency-domain) absorption spectrum. For a given signal-to-noise ratio and resolution, the FT-ICR method generates a spectrum in a time which is two orders of magnitude shorter than that required in conventional slow-sweep ICR detection. In the present example, a signal-to-noise ratio of 8:1 and a mass resolution of about 0.005 amu for CH₄⁺ (from CH₄ at a pressure of 8 X 10^?7 torr) have been achieved, using a single data acquisition period of 25.6 msec.     

Focus on Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Editorial

Focus on Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry     

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectral characterization of metal‐humic binding

The interaction between metals and naturally occurring humic substances and the thereby induced issues of bioavailability and hydrogeochemical turnover of metal ions in natural waters have been the subject of intense study for decades. Traditional bulk techniques to investigate metal‐humic binding (e.g. potentiometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS)) can provide quantitative results for the relative abundance and distribution of metal species in humic samples and/or overall binding constants. The shortcoming of these bulk techniques is the absence of structural detail. Ultra‐high‐resolution mass spectrometry, currently the only technique demonstrated to resolve individual humic ions, is not generally employed to provide the missing qualitative information primarily because the identification of metal complexes within the already complex mixtures of humic substances is non‐trivial and time‐consuming to the extent of eliminating any possibility for real‐time manipulation of chelated analytes. Here, it is demonstrated that with tailored selection of the metal ion, it is possible to visually identify large numbers of metal‐humic complexes (～500 for Be²⁺, ～1100 for Mn²⁺, and ～1500 for Cr³⁺) in real‐time as the spectra are being acquired. Metal ions are chosen so that they form primarily even‐m/z complexes with humic ions. These even‐m/z complexes stand out in the spectrum and can readily be characterized based on molecular formulae, which here revealed for example that Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) complexes encompassed primarily highly oxygenated fulvic acids of relatively low double‐bond equivalence. Facile, real‐time identification of even‐m/z metal‐humic complexes additionally allows for the specific selection of metal‐humic complexes for MSⁿ analysis and in‐trap ion‐neutral reactions enabling investigation of metal‐humic complex structure. MS/MS data were collected to demonstrate the potential of the technique as well as highlight some of the remaining challenges. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance: state of the art

This short review summarizes recent and projected advances in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry instrumentation and applications, ranging from petroleomics to proteomics. More details are available from the cited primary literature and topical reviews.     

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance detection of multiphoton ionization spectroscopy

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) detection was tested for resonanceenhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectroscopy. The (2+1) REMPI spectra of acetaldehyde were obtained in the wavelength range 364–354 nm via a two-photon resonant 3s ← n Rydberg transition. The space-charge effects on the REMPI spectra were examined in the vicinity of the 0 ₀ ⁰ transition. The trapping efficiency measurement shows that all the ions produced from REMPI dissociation processes are arrested in the ion cyclotron resonance cell even in the presence of space-charge interactions. Axial kinetic energy release distributions of ions were extracted from the trapping efficiency data obtained under a new space-charge-free condition. FT-ICR peak heights were measured as a function of pressure at different laser powers, magnetic field strengths, and ion excitation methods to test for the detection linearity. The FT-ICR detection responds linearly to the number of ions in a low pressure limit. The product branching ratio was measured by using various ion excitation methods and was compared with the previous quadrupole mass spectrometric study. FT-ICR detection yields the mass-selected REMPI spectra and the product branching ratio in the absence of kinetic shifts.     

Towards analytically useful two-dimensional Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry (MS) achieves high resolution and mass accuracy, allowing the identification of the raw chemical formulae of ions in complex samples. Using ion isolation and fragmentation (MS/MS), we can obtain more structural information, but MS/MS is time- and sample-consuming because each ion must be isolated before fragmentation. In 1987, Pfändler et al. proposed an experiment for 2D FT-ICR MS in order to fragment ions without isolating them and to visualize the fragmentations of complex samples in a single 2D mass spectrum, like 2D NMR spectroscopy. Because of limitations of electronics and computers, few studies have been conducted with this technique. The improvement of modern computers and the use of digital electronics for FT-ICR hardware now make it possible to acquire 2D mass spectra over a broad mass range. The original experiments used in-cell collision-induced dissociation, which caused a loss of resolution. Gas-free fragmentation modes such as infrared multiphoton dissociation and electron capture dissociation allow one to measure high-resolution 2D mass spectra. Consequently, there is renewed interest to develop 2D FT-ICR MS into an efficient analytical method. Improvements introduced in 2D NMR spectroscopy can also be transposed to 2D FT-ICR MS. We describe the history of 2D FT-ICR MS, introduce recent improvements, and present analytical applications to map the fragmentation of peptides. Finally, we provide a glossary which defines a few keywords for the 2D FT-ICR MS field.     

Determination of ion—molecule collision frequencies by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy

It is shown that nonreactive ion—molecule collision frequencies may be determined either by analysis of the transient signal resulting from excited ion cyclotron motion or by linewidth measurement of the Fourier transform of the transient signal.     

Theory of peak coalescence in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Peak coalescence, i.e. the merging of two close peaks in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrum at a high number of ions, plays an important role in various FTICR experiments. In order to describe the coalescence phenomenon we would like to propose a new theory of motion for ion clouds with close mass‐to‐charge ratios, driven by a uniform magnetic field and Coulomb interactions between the clouds. We describe the motion of the ion clouds in terms of their averaged drift motion in crossed magnetic and electric fields. The ion clouds are considered to be of constant size and their motion is studied in two dimensions. The theory deals with the first‐order approximation of the equations of motion in relation to dm/m, where dm is the mass difference and m is the mass of a single ion. The analysis was done for an arbitrary inter‐cloud interaction potential, which makes it possible to analyze finite‐size ion clouds of any shape. The final analytical expression for the condition of the onset of coalescence is found for the case of uniformly charged spheres. An algorithm for finding this condition for an arbitrary interaction potential is proposed. The critical number of ions for the peak coalescence to take place is shown to depend quadratically on the magnetic field strength and to be proportional to the cyclotron radius and inversely proportional to the ion masses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel software for data analysis of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectra applied to natural organic matter

Natural organic matter (NOM) occurs as an extremely complex mixture of large, charged molecules that are formed by secondary synthesis reactions. Due to their nature, their full characterization is an important challenge to scientists specializing in NOM as well as analytical chemistry. Ultra‐high‐resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS) analysis enables the identification of thousands of masses in a single measurement. A major challenge in the data analysis process of NOM using the FT‐ICR MS technique is the need to sort the entire data set and to present it in an accessible mode. Here we present a simple targeted algorithm called the David Mass Sort (DMS) algorithm which facilitates the detection and counting of consecutive series of masses correlated to any selected mass spacing. This program searches for specific mass differences among all of the masses in a single spectrum against all of the masses in the same spectrum. As a representative case, the current study focuses on the analysis of the well‐characterized Suwannee River humic and fulvic acid (SRHA and SRFA, respectively). By applying this algorithm, we were able to find and assess the amount of singly and doubly charged molecules. In addition we present the capabilities of the program to detect any series of consecutive masses correlated to specific mass spacing, e.g. COO, H₂, OCH₂ and O₂. Under several limitations, these mass spacings may be correlated to both chemical and biochemical changes which occur simultaneously during the formation and/or degradation of large mixtures of compounds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Charge reduction lowers mass resolving power for isotopically resolved electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectra

Electrospray ionization of synthetic or biological macromolecules above ∼1–2 kDa in mass typically produces ions of multiple charge states. Several recent papers have illustrated charge reduction as a means to simplify low-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra, at the cost of significant loss in signal-to-noise ratio. However, if mass resolving power is sufficiently high (as in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry) to resolve the heavy-atom isotopic distribution, then charge reduction actually lowers mass resolving power by a factor proportional to the ion charge. For proteins or nucleic acids of 10–50 kDa in mass, reducing the charge state to unity thus lowers mass resolving power by a factor of 10–50. In other words, as long as it is possible to resolve the isotopic distributions, charge reduction has no advantages for electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and has the very serious disadvantage of greatly degraded mass resolving power. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improved ion optics for introduction of ions into a 9.4‐T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer

Enhancements to the ion source and transfer optics of our 9.4 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass spectrometer have resulted in improved ion transmission efficiency for more sensitive mass measurement of complex mixtures at the MS and MS/MS levels. The tube lens/skimmer has been replaced by a dual ion funnel and the following octopole by a quadrupole for reduced ion cloud radial expansion before transmission into a mass‐selective quadrupole. The number of ions that reach the ICR cell is increased by an order of magnitude for the funnel/quadrupole relative to the tube lens/skimmer/octopole. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

石油组分高分辨质谱分析进展与展望

石油是一种复杂体系,研究石油分子组成是分析化学领域的经典难题.近年来,傅里叶变换离子回旋共振质谱技术(Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry,FT-ICR MS)的发展,为从分子水平认识石油组成提供了机会,引起了石油化学界的高度关注,并被期待能在石油、石化领域的相关研究中实现重大突破.本文从质谱分辨率和电离技术方面介绍了石油样品的分析需求,总结了近几年基于FT-ICR MS技术对石油分子组成的研究进展,分析了其在应用中存在的关键技术问题及下一步研究方向,并对FT-ICR MS的发展前景给予展望.     

Enhanced electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry of long-chain polysaccharides

A novel strategy was developed to extend the application of electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry (MS) to the analysis of long-chain polysaccharides. High molecular weight polydisperse maltodextrins (poly-alpha(1-4) glucose) and dextrans (poly-alpha(1-6) glucose) were chosen as model compounds in the present study. Increased ionization efficiency of these mixtures in the positive ion mode was achieved upon modification of their reducing end with nitrogen-containing groups. The derivatization method is based on the formation of a new C--N bond between 1,6-hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and the reducing end of the polysaccharide, which exists in solution as an equilibrium between the hemiacetal and the open-ring aldehyde form. To achieve the chemical modification of the reducing end, two synthetic pathways were developed: (i) coupling of HMD by reductive amination and (ii) oxidation of the hemiacetal to lactone, followed by ring opening by HMD to yield the maltodextrin lactonamide of 1,6-hexanediamine (HMMD). Amino-functionalized polysaccharides were analyzed by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FTICR-MS) in the positive ion mode by direct flow injection. The hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and maltodextrin lactonamide of 1,6-hexanediamine (HMMD) moieties provide increased proton affinities which dramatically improve the detection of the long-chain polysaccharides by FTICR-MS. The present approach allowed for identification of single components in mixtures with prominent heterogeneity in the degree of polymerization (DP), without the need for chromatographic separation prior to MS. The high mass accuracy was essential for the unambiguous characterization of the species observed in the analyzed mixtures. Furthermore, molecular components containing up to 42 glucose residues were detected, representing the largest polysaccharide chains analyzed so far by ESI FTICR-MS.     

Simplified application of quadrupolar excitation in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

A new method for application of quadrupolar excitation to the trapped ion cell of a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer is presented. Quadrupolar excitation is conventionally applied to the two pairs of opposed electrodes that normally perform the excitation and detection functions in the FTICR experiment. Symmetry arguments and numerically calculated isopotential contours within the trapped ion cell lead to the conclusion that quadrupolar excitation can be applied to a single pair of opposed side electrodes. Examples of effective quadrupolar axialization via this method include a sevenfold signal-to-noise enhancement derived from 50 remeasurements of a single population of trapped bovine insulin ions and the selective isolation of a single charge state of horse heart myoglobin after an initial measurement that revealed the presence of 14 charge states.