Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid Mass Spectrometer - Product Specifications

Importance of the Topic

High-performance mass spectrometry drives advances across proteomics, structural biology, pharmaceutical development and QA/QC. The ability to resolve complex mixtures, quantify low-abundance species and characterize intact protein assemblies underpins discovery workflows and regulatory compliance. Modern instruments that combine sensitivity, speed and flexible fragmentation strategies are essential for tackling challenging analytical problems and enabling deeper molecular insights.

Objectives and Overview

This document introduces the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid mass spectrometer, engineered to extend the capabilities of conventional discovery platforms. Key objectives include:

• Exceptional precursor selectivity and sensitivity through a next-generation QR5 segmented quadrupole.
• Enhanced throughput for tandem mass tag (TMT) quantification via Real-Time Search and TurboTMT mode.
• Comprehensive MSⁿ characterization of intact proteins and complexes using optional High Mass Range (HMRn) and Proton Transfer Charge Reduction (PTCR).
• Full experimental flexibility enabled by multiple fragmentation techniques and parallel acquisition.
  

Methodology

The Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid employs a unique three-analyzer layout: a quadrupole mass filter, a dual-pressure linear ion trap and an ultra-high-field Orbitrap. Active Ion Management (AIM+) optimizes ion transmission from source to detector, minimizing losses and noise. Real-Time Search integrates on-the-fly database matching to trigger synchronous precursor selection (SPS) for MS³ quantification. TurboTMT, powered by φSDM deconvolution, accelerates high‐resolution MSⁿ scans. Dynamic Maximum Injection Time and Advanced Peak Determination improve data-dependent scheduling and precursor annotation for reproducible acquisition across varied sample concentrations.

Used Instrumentation

The system architecture can be configured with a range of ion sources, fragmentation and front-end options:

• Ion sources: Ion Max NG electrospray, EASY-Spray, NanoFlex NG, APCI/APPI, EASY-ETD/PTCR, EASY-IC.
• Mass analyzers: QR5 segmented quadrupole (m/z 50–2000, isolation width 0.4–1200), linear ion trap (CID, ETD/EThcD/ETciD, optional UVPD) and ultra-high-field Orbitrap (up to 1,000,000 FWHM at m/z 200).
• Optional modules: High Mass Range MSn mode (m/z 500–8000), FAIMS Pro for differential mobility, Proton Transfer Charge Reduction, UVPD laser source.
• Vacuum and optics: Enhanced Vacuum Technology (<10^–10 Torr), High-Capacity Transfer Tube, Electrodynamic Ion Funnel, Active Ion Beam Guide.

Main Results and Discussion

Performance testing demonstrates:

• Acquisition rates up to 40 Hz (Orbitrap) and 45 Hz (linear trap) for data-dependent experiments.
• Mass resolution up to 500,000 FWHM standard (1,000,000 optional) and mass accuracy better than 1 ppm with internal calibration.
• Dynamic range >5000 in a single Orbitrap spectrum and S/N >200:1 for low-level ESI MS/MS.
• Enhanced TMT quantitation depth through Real-Time Search and SPS MS³, delivering accurate multiplexed protein measurements.
• Expanded intact protein coverage in top-down workflows via HMRn and PTCR, simplifying charge-state distributions and improving fragment assignment.

Applications and Practical Benefits

The Eclipse Tribrid platform supports a broad spectrum of analytical challenges:

• Full-proteome quantification in complex cell lysates using TMT and Real-Time Search for high throughput and depth.
• Native mass spectrometry of protein complexes, enabled by extended mass range and high resolution.
• Characterization of biologics, biosimilars and small-molecule drugs with high mass accuracy and multiple dissociation modes.
• Targeted workflows such as SureQuant for internal standard–guided quantitation and AcquireX for automated small-molecule profiling.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Continued integration of real-time informatics, machine learning–driven method optimization and automation will further enhance throughput and data quality. Emerging ion mobility and advanced fragmentation chemistries (e.g., UVPD, EThcD) promise deeper structural insights. Expansion into single-cell proteomics, real-time process monitoring and multimodal imaging mass spectrometry represents a fertile area for future development.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Eclipse Tribrid delivers unrivaled flexibility, sensitivity and throughput for discovery and characterization workflows. Its modular architecture and advanced control strategies position it as a versatile tool for proteomics, structural biology, pharmaceutical analysis and beyond, enabling researchers to push the boundaries of molecular science.