Orbitrap Ascend BioPharma Tribrid mass spectrometer - Product specifications

Importance of the Topic

Accurate and detailed analysis of biotherapeutic molecules is crucial for advancing drug development, ensuring product safety, and meeting regulatory requirements. High-resolution mass spectrometry plays a key role in protein characterization, peptide mapping, and quality control in biopharma.

Objectives and Overview

This article summarizes the design, features, and performance of the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascend BioPharma Tribrid mass spectrometer. It highlights improvements in sensitivity, scan speed, fragmentation versatility, and native protein analysis to address the evolving demands of biotherapeutic and native mass spectrometry workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Orbitrap Ascend BioPharma Tribrid combines advanced hardware and software innovations. Key components include:

• Active Ion Management technology with hyperbolic QR5 segmented quadrupole for enhanced ion transmission and selectivity
• Dual Ion Routing Multipoles for optimized ion capture and dissociation
• Next-generation ultra-high-field Orbitrap analyzer delivering up to 480,000 resolution at m/z 200
• Dual-pressure linear ion trap capable of MSn (n=1–10) with multiple fragmentation options (CID, HCD, ETD/EThcD/ETciD, UVPD, PTCR)
• Native MS mode extending mass detection to m/z 16,000 with quadrupole isolation up to m/z 8,000
• Automated Auto-Ready ion source for hands-free calibration
• Software suite including Xcalibur control, Real-Time Search, Dynamic Maximum Injection Time, Advanced Peak Determination, and application-specific method templates

Main Results and Discussion

The system achieves high throughput and sensitivity with data-dependent acquisition rates up to 45 Hz in the Orbitrap and 50 Hz in the ion trap. External calibration provides <3 ppm mass accuracy, while internal calibration yields <1 ppm drift over 24 hours. The combination of active ion management and improved vacuum technology enhances detection limits for peptides, oligonucleotides, and intact proteins. Real-Time Search and TurboTMT modes accelerate TMT quantification workflows, improving both coverage and quantitation accuracy.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Shortened gradients and faster scan rates increase sample throughput
• Orthogonal fragmentation capabilities support deep peptide sequencing and complex oligonucleotide analysis
• Comprehensive native MS workflows enable structural characterization of protein complexes
• Automated calibration and method templates reduce setup time and operator workload
• Flexible instrument control permits rapid adaptation to varied biopharma quality control and research applications

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements may include integration of machine learning for real-time method optimization, expansion of native MS to larger complexes, higher repetition-rate laser photodissociation, and cloud-based data processing. Continued hardware evolution will likely push resolution and speed boundaries, supporting multi-omics strategies and personalized medicine diagnostics.

Conclusion

The Orbitrap Ascend BioPharma Tribrid mass spectrometer offers a versatile, high-performance platform tailored for modern biopharmaceutical analytics. Its combination of advanced ion management, rapid acquisition, and flexible fragmentation modes addresses the stringent demands of both peptide-based and intact protein studies.

References

• No external literature references were provided in the source material.