Robustness Evaluation of the LCMS-8060NX with a Newly-Developed Ion Source, IonFocus™ Unit

Significance of the Topic

The reliable analysis of complex biological samples demands instruments that combine high sensitivity with robust operation. The LCMS-8060NX addresses evolving laboratory needs by integrating advanced ion source design and contamination-resistant components to ensure consistent performance and minimal downtime in demanding workflows.

Objectives and Study Overview

This report evaluates the robustness and analytical stability of the Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX equipped with a newly developed IonFocus ion source and enhanced ion guides (UF-Qarray II and UF-Lens II). The study examines system performance under continuous analysis of challenging biological matrices, aiming to demonstrate sustained sensitivity and data precision over extensive sample sequences.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The development and evaluation process comprised:

• Computational simulations with ANSYS® Fluent® to optimize gas flow and electric field shaping in the IonFocus unit.
• Prototype testing to refine electrode geometry, voltages, and spacing for selective ion transmission and contaminant removal.
• Simulation-driven redesign of UF-Qarray II components to minimize gas‐collision hotspots and contamination-prone surfaces.
• Voltage pattern optimization in UF-Lens II to repel unwanted ions and protect quadrupole rods.
• Consecutive injection experiments of alprazolam-spiked human plasma (15,000 injections) without intermediate cleaning steps.

Instrumentation Used

• Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
• IonFocus™ ion source unit (Patent JP6593548, US10546740)
• UF-Qarray™ II and UF-Lens™ II ion guides (Patents JP3379485, US6462338, DE19941670)
• ANSYS® Fluent® simulation software

Main Results and Discussion

The LCMS-8060NX maintained exceptional sensitivity and stability during 15,000 back-to-back analyses of alprazolam-spiked plasma. Peak area reproducibility was 1.79 %RSD and area ratio reproducibility was 1.71 %RSD, despite visible contaminant accumulation on the ion source. These data confirm that the IonFocus unit efficiently excludes neutral matrix components while transmitting target ions, and that the upgraded ion guides prevent performance degradation under high contaminant loads.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages of the LCMS-8060NX include:

• Enhanced throughput through minimized maintenance interruptions
• Reduced sample preparation complexity for biofluids
• Reliable quantitation in pharmacokinetic, clinical, and environmental analyses
• Extended operational periods with stable data quality in high-volume laboratories

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging directions include:

• Integration of real-time contamination monitoring and adaptive cleaning protocols
• Further miniaturization of ion source modules for portable high-sensitivity MS systems
• Machine learning–driven optimization of source parameters across diverse sample types
• Automation of maintenance scheduling based on usage patterns and performance metrics

Conclusion

The Shimadzu LCMS-8060NX, featuring the IonFocus ion source and reinforced UF-Qarray II/UF-Lens II ion guides, delivers world-class sensitivity and unparalleled robustness. Its ability to sustain precise quantitation over thousands of challenging biological injections demonstrates a significant advancement in LC-MS/MS technology, improving laboratory efficiency and data reliability.

References

• Fukui W., Kudo T., Toji Y., Nishiguchi M., Mukaibatake K. Robustness Evaluation of the LCMS-8060NX with a Newly Developed Ion Source, IonFocus Unit. Shimadzu Technical Report C146-E426, December 2020.
• Shimadzu Corporation. IonFocus™, UF-Qarray™, UF-Lens™ product specifications and patent documentation.
• ANSYS, Inc. ANSYS® Fluent® User Manual.