Thermo Scientific Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap LC-MS/MS System - Product Specifications

Significance of the Topic

High-resolution mass spectrometry has become a cornerstone in modern analytical chemistry, delivering precise molecular characterization across pharmaceutical, environmental, and proteomic fields. The ability to achieve sub-ppm mass accuracy and high resolving power enables confident identification and quantitation of trace analytes in complex matrices. Instruments like the Q Exactive Plus integrate advanced quadrupole isolation, Orbitrap detection, and versatile fragmentation modes, offering a unified platform for targeted and untargeted workflows.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents the specifications and performance of the Thermo Scientific Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap LC-MS/MS system. It aims to demonstrate how technical enhancements—from quadrupole precursor selection to advanced ion optics—improve sensitivity, robustness, and throughput. The overview covers hardware design, software features, and expected analytical capabilities for routine and research applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

The Q Exactive Plus combines:

• Thermo Scientific™ Ion Max API source with H-ESI II probe and dual desolvation zones for efficient ionization and reduced chemical noise.
• Advanced quadrupole technology (AQT) HyperQuad™ mass filter offering narrow, adjustable isolation windows (0.4 Da to full range).
• Active axial beam guide (AABG) and RF-lens stacked-ring ion optics for enhanced sensitivity and ruggedness.
• Orbitrap mass analyzer operating at up to 140,000 FWHM resolving power (optional 280,000) with sub-ppm mass accuracy.
• Higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) cell for reproducible MS/MS fragmentation.
• Data acquisition software (Xcalibur) supporting SIM, PRM, DIA, AIF, and dynamic polarity switching.

Main Results and Discussion

Performance testing under defined conditions shows:

• Resolving power of 140,000 at m/z 200 (optional 280,000) allowing separation of isobaric species.
• Mass accuracy: <1 ppm RMS internal calibration, <3 ppm external.
• Sensitivity down to 500 fg on-column for full MS (S/N 100:1) and 30 fg for SIM.
• Dynamic range exceeding 5,000:1 and polarity switching in under one second.
• Scan rates up to 12 Hz at 17,500 resolution for rapid chromatographic peaks.

This combination of speed, sensitivity, and accuracy facilitates reliable quantitation of low-abundance targets and confident structural elucidation in complex samples.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

The integrated LC-MS/MS workflow offers:

• Comprehensive quantitation and confirmation (Quanfirmation™) in a single run.
• Flexible targeting using SIM, PRM, and DIA for small molecules, peptides, and intact proteins.
• Enhanced top-down proteomics and lipidomics via optional intact protein mode and extended resolving power.
• Improved laboratory efficiency through automated calibration, gain control, and multiplexed acquisition.

These advantages serve pharmaceutical R&D, quality control, environmental monitoring, and biomarker discovery.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include integration with ion mobility separations, real-time data analytics powered by machine learning, and expanded intact protein characterization. The growing demand for high-throughput screening and multi-omic studies will drive further advancements in scan speed, multiplexing, and user-friendly software tools.

Conclusion

The Q Exactive Plus Orbitrap LC-MS/MS platform represents a significant evolution in high-resolution mass spectrometry. Its combination of advanced quadrupole isolation, robust ion optics, and precise Orbitrap detection meets the stringent demands of modern analytical workflows. Users benefit from reliable quantitation, structural confirmation, and flexible operation modes within a single instrument.

References

No specific literature citations were provided in the source document.