Agilent 6230 time-of-flight LC/MS system

Importance of the Topic

The accurate identification of sample constituents is critical in analytical chemistry workflows where UV detection or nominal mass measurements may only indicate presence or class of compounds. Accurate mass time of flight LC MS extends selectivity and confidence, enabling unambiguous compound assignments.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates the capabilities of the Agilent 6230 LC TOF system for high resolution accurate mass screening and identification in both small molecule and large biomolecule analyses. It evaluates performance improvements in tuning automation, sensitivity enhancement, dynamic range, and retrospective full spectrum data acquisition.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Agilent 6230 time of flight LC MS system providing high mass resolution accurate mass measurement
• SWARM autotune for automated optimization of TOF mirror and slit parameters
• MassHunter Walkup software for user friendly automated operation
• All Ions data independent acquisition for simultaneous precursor and fragment spectra
• Agilent Jet Stream electrospray thermal focusing for fivefold sensitivity increase
• MassHunter BioConfirm for intact protein analysis including deconvolution and proteoform resolution

Main Results and Discussion

• Accurate mass measurements reduced the number of candidate formulas for a 609 m/z compound from hundreds to two at 1.2 mDa accuracy
• SWARM autotune produced reproducible tuning for malate detection rivaling expert manual tuning
• Jet Stream enhanced signal intensity and signal-to-noise ratio, achieving fivefold sensitivity gain
• All Ions enabled confident compound identification through high resolution isotopic fidelity and DIA library matching
• Intact monoclonal antibody analysis demonstrated high TOF vacuum performance and clear proteoform separation
• Broad in-spectrum dynamic range allowed detection of trace analytes such as guanosine triphosphate down to sub ppm mass error
• Full-spectrum acquisition supports retrospective data mining without reanalysis

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced selectivity and confidence in complex mixture screening for small molecules
• Simplified LC MS workflows accessible to nonexpert operators
• Routine protein characterization and post translational modification analysis
• Trace level detection in QA QC environmental and metabolomics studies
• Retrospective sample reanalysis enabling flexible investigative workflows

Future Trends and Applications

The Agilent 6230 LC TOF platform can evolve with emerging analytical challenges through full spectrum acquisition and compatibility with multiple chromatographic systems including UHPLC SFC CE and GC. Prospective developments include deeper integration with spectral libraries and AI driven data processing for even faster compound identification and quantitation.

Conclusion

The Agilent 6230 time of flight LC MS system combines accurate mass high resolution and user friendly automation to deliver reliable compound identification across a range of analyte classes. Its sensitivity enhancements and full spectrum data collection make it a future proof tool for laboratories seeking confident results without extensive operator expertise.

References

No external literature references were provided in the original text.