Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is a technique used to analyse molecules according to their mass. It is capable of measuring ultra-trace quantities, i.e. minute quantities in the nanogram or picogram range. It is therefore irreplaceable for detecting substances in low concentrations.

Areas of application

Mass spectrometry is used in all areas of science, including :

• chemistry, to identify the structure and composition of organic or inorganic molecules,
• biology, to study proteins, nucleic acids, lipids or metabolites,
• medicine, to diagnose illnesses, detect drugs or monitor treatments,
• physics, to measure isotopes, elements or particles,
• astrophysics and geology, to analyse the composition of stars, planets and rocks.

To carry out a mass spectrometry analysis, the molecules need to be ionised, i.e. given an electrical charge. Next, the ions are separated according to their mass-to-charge ratio, i.e. the ratio between the mass of the ion and the number of charges it carries. Finally, the ions need to be detected and their intensity recorded, i.e. the number of ions with the same mass/charge ratio. The result is a mass spectrum, which represents the intensity of the ions as a function of their mass-to-charge ratio.