Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 240 Mass Spectrometer - PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Importance of High-Resolution Accurate-Mass Spectrometry

The Orbitrap Exploris 240 represents a milestone in modern mass spectrometry, delivering both high-resolution qualitative analysis and robust quantitative performance. Such capabilities are critical in pharmaceutical development, proteomics, metabolomics, and biopharmaceutical characterization, where precise mass measurement and fast scan rates accelerate discovery and quality control.

Objectives and Scope of the Document

This specification overview aims to present the design principles, hardware components, performance metrics, and software workflows of the Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap Exploris™ 240 mass spectrometer. It highlights how the instrument meets diverse analytical demands, from small molecule profiling to intact protein analysis, while simplifying routine operation through automation and internal calibration.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Exploris 240 integrates a quadrupole precursor filter with a high-field Orbitrap mass analyzer. Key hardware features include:

• OptaMax™ NG ESI source with adjustable H-ESI II probe and low-flow calibrant sprayer
• S-lens stacked-ring RF ion guide and Advanced Active Beam Guide for efficient ion transmission
• Segmented quadrupole (AQT) enabling precise isolation widths (0.4–1,200 Da) and high-transmission MS/MS
• Ion-Routing Multipole for robust trapping and HCD fragmentation
• High-Field Orbitrap analyzer with 4 kV central electrode voltage, achieving up to 240,000 resolving power at m/z 200
• EASY-IC internal reference ion source for sustained <1 ppm mass accuracy over five days
• Optional BioPharma upgrade extending detection to m/z 8,000 and FAIMS Pro interface for gas-phase fractionation

Data acquisition and instrument control rely on Xcalibur or Chromeleon software, with Thermo Scientific™ AcquireX™ workflow for automated sample profiling. A suite of optional analysis packages (Proteome Discoverer, BioPharma Finder, Compound Discoverer, TraceFinder) supports specialized workflows.

Main Performance and Discussion

The Exploris 240 delivers:

• Mass range m/z 40–6,000 (up to 8,000 with BioPharma option)
• Scan rates up to 22 Hz at resolution 15,000
• Mass accuracy better than 1 ppm RMS (internal calibration), <3 ppm over 24 hours (external)
• Sensitivity down to 200 fg reserpine on column (S/N >100:1 MS/MS)
• Dynamic range >5,000 in a single spectrum
• Rapid polarity switching (<700 ms per full‐scan cycle) and multiplexing up to 20 precursors per scan

These metrics underline the instrument’s ability to handle complex matrices, low-abundance analytes, and high-throughput demands with minimal downtime thanks to automated calibration and robust vacuum design.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Exploris 240’s strengths include:

• High-confidence identification in proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics
• Quantitative precision for drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics
• Intact protein and biopharmaceutical characterization with optional high m/z transmission
• Streamlined method development via guided application modes (small molecule, peptide, intact protein)
• Reduced maintenance and noise through optimized source and ion optics

These features facilitate compliance in regulated environments and accelerate time-to-result in drug discovery and QC laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include integration of ion mobility devices for enhanced separation, AI-driven real-time acquisition optimization, single-cell MS workflows, and further automation for high-throughput clinical assays. Continued improvements in detector electronics and software intelligence will expand the instrument’s versatility across new research fields.

Conclusion

The Orbitrap Exploris 240 mass spectrometer combines state-of-the-art hardware with intelligent software to deliver unparalleled resolution, accuracy, and throughput. Its adaptability to small molecules, peptides, and intact proteins, along with robust performance and ease of use, positions it as a leading tool for advanced analytical laboratories.

Reference

1. Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ Tribrid™ and Orbitrap Exploris™ mass spectrometers specification overview.