Thermo Scientific Orbitrap ID-X Tribrid mass spectrometer - PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Significance of the Topic

The identification and structural elucidation of small molecules underpin research in metabolomics, lipidomics, pharmaceutical impurity profiling, extractables and leachables studies. Rapid, sensitive, and high-resolution mass spectrometry is essential to address complex mixtures, trace-level analytes, and unknown compounds encountered in academic, industrial, and regulatory laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents the design features and performance characteristics of the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap ID-X Tribrid mass spectrometer. It highlights new hardware and software innovations aimed at overcoming bottlenecks in small molecule workflows by delivering automated acquisition, enhanced usability, and versatile fragmentation strategies.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Tribrid Mass Analyzer Architecture: Combines a quadrupole precursor selector, a dual-cell linear ion trap, and an ultra-high-field Orbitrap for rapid, selective MSn analyses.
• OptaMax NG Ion Source: Redesigned HESI sprayer with integrated APCI probe, interchangeable interfaces, improved solvent vapor removal, and robust alignment.
• Ion Optics and Vacuum: S-Lens for efficient ion focusing, Active Beam Guide to reduce chemical noise, split-flow turbomolecular pumping, and precise low-pressure control in ion trap and Orbitrap regions.
• Software and Workflows: Xcalibur and Tune control suite, AcquireX for automated inclusion/exclusion-based profiling with deep scan options, Assisted CE for real-time collision energy optimization, and MSn Library Builder for building high-quality fragment libraries.
• Optional Tools: EASY-IC for internal real-time calibration, Compound Discoverer for data processing, and Mass Frontier for fragment prediction.

Main Results and Discussion

The Orbitrap ID-X achieves mass resolution up to 500,000 FWHM at m/z 200 and mass accuracy below 1 ppm with internal calibration. Scan rates reach 30 Hz in the Orbitrap and 40 Hz in the ion trap. The instrument demonstrates a dynamic range exceeding 5,000 within a single scan, targeted multiplexing of up to 10 precursors per cycle, and femtogram-level sensitivity, exemplified by a 100 fg reserpine detection at S/N >100.

Practical Benefits and Applications

The combination of flexible MSn, high resolution, and automated AcquireX workflows enables comprehensive profiling of complex samples on an LC timescale. Users gain streamlined method templates for metabolomics, lipidomics, impurity and leachable analysis, and the ability to build local spectral libraries for unknown identification.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in real-time data acquisition, machine learning-driven fragmentation optimization, and cloud-based spectral libraries will further enhance small molecule discovery and quantitation. Integration with high-throughput sample handling and automated data interpretation pipelines is expected to expand applications in clinical research, environmental monitoring, and quality control.

Conclusion

The Orbitrap ID-X Tribrid mass spectrometer represents a significant step forward in small molecule analysis by merging proven Tribrid architecture with novel ion source, acquisition, and processing technologies. Its high resolution, sensitivity, and automated workflows facilitate robust identification and structural characterization across diverse applications.

Reference

• Thermo Fisher Scientific. Orbitrap ID-X Tribrid Mass Spectrometer. Product Specifications PS65188-EN, 2018.