Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer - Product specifications

Importance of the Topic

The advent of high resolution accurate mass spectrometry has transformed analytical chemistry by enabling unparalleled sensitivity, dynamic range, and throughput. This capability is critical for applications ranging from proteomics and metabolomics to biopharma characterisation and single cell analysis. By improving detection limits and quantitative precision, modern mass spectrometers support deeper molecular coverage and robust data for research and quality control.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note presents the design and performance highlights of the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer. The goal is to demonstrate how the integration of a high resolution quadrupole mass filter, an ultra-high field Orbitrap mass analyser, and a novel Astral mass analyser delivers faster acquisition rates, enhanced sensitivity, and extended dynamic range. Key aims include higher throughput with shorter chromatographic gradients, deeper proteome coverage, and accurate quantitation in label free and isobaric tag workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

The instrument architecture features three parallel mass filters and analysers. Ions generated by an OptaMax NG electrospray or optional APCI source pass through a high-capacity ion transfer tube and electrodynamic ion funnel into a segmented quadrupole. The Advanced Quadrupole Technology maximises transmission and allows rapid switching. Downstream, the ion-routing multipole supports higher energy collisional dissociation for MS2 in both Orbitrap and Astral analysers. The Orbitrap analyser offers resolution up to 480 000 at m/z 200 with sub-ppm mass accuracy. The Astral analyser provides 80 000 resolution at m/z 524 and MS2 rates up to 200 Hz. The system is controlled by intuitive software with drag-and-drop method editor, advanced peak determination, and optional FAIMS or BioPharma modules.

Main Results and Discussion

Performance evaluation under standard conditions shows:

• Orbitrap resolution 7 500 to 480 000 FWHM at m/z 200 with MS2 rates up to 40 Hz
• Astral MS2 acquisition at up to 200 Hz with 80 000 FWHM at m/z 524
• Mass accuracy below 1 ppm RMS with internal calibrant in the Orbitrap and below 5 ppm in the Astral analyser
• Sensitivity down to femtogram levels of standard compounds with signal to noise ratios above 100
• Dynamic range exceeding 5 000 in Orbitrap and 1 000 in Astral single microscans

The combination of parallel acquisition and advanced ion management yields exceptional quantitative precision and depth of coverage, even in challenging experiments such as single cell proteomics.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Orbitrap Astral system enables:

• High throughput proteomics with shorter LC gradients and deep coverage for discovery and quantitation
• Accurate label free and isobaric tag workflows across wide dynamic ranges
• Native and denaturing analysis of intact proteins and complexes in biopharma research
• Flexible method templates for DDA, DIA, targeted SIM, and SureQuant workflows
• Seamless integration with data processing platforms for automated data transfer and analysis

These features support a broad range of use cases in academic research, pharmaceutical development, and quality control laboratories.

Future Trends and Applications

Continued innovation will focus on further increasing acquisition speed and sensitivity, expanding mass range for large biomolecule analysis, and integrating artificial intelligence for real-time data driven decision making. Cloud-based data management and advanced informatics will streamline workflows and enhance reproducibility. Emerging applications such as spatial proteomics and multiomic integration will benefit from the instrument’s high dynamic range and parallel acquisition capabilities.

Conclusion

The Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer represents a significant advance in high resolution accurate mass technology. By combining three complementary mass analysers with advanced ion optics and software control, it delivers unmatched throughput, sensitivity, and depth of coverage. This platform empowers researchers and analysts to tackle complex biological and biopharmaceutical challenges with confidence.