News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 15, 2026

<p><strong>Traditional protein purification workflows in many laboratories still rely on ultracentrifugation and long incubation steps. These approaches often involve multi-step protocols, extended processing times, and the use of specialized equipment. As a result, workflows can become complex, time-consuming, and prone to variability.</strong></p><p>Magnetic bead-based protein purification offers a faster, simpler, and more efficient alternative by enabling selective capture and rapid magnetic separation.</p><h3><strong>Limitations of Conventional Protein Cleanup Methods</strong></h3><p><strong>In standard laboratory workflows, protein cleanup typically involves:</strong></p><ul><li>Multiple processing steps</li><li>Centrifugation and column equilibration</li><li>Dependence on specialized instrumentation</li><li>Long processing times</li></ul><p><strong>These factors introduce several challenges:</strong></p><ul><li>Increased complexity of workflows</li><li>Variability between runs, reducing reproducibility</li><li>Risk of sample loss during transfers, especially for small sample volumes or scarce targets</li><li>Limited throughput due to manual handling</li></ul><h3><strong>Principle of Magnetic Bead-Based Purification</strong></h3><p>Magnetic beads enable selective protein capture through surface functionalization.</p><p>Each bead is coated with <strong>streptavidin</strong>, allowing the attachment of a <strong>biotinylated ligand</strong>. This ligand can be selected based on the target analyte and may include:</p><ul><li>Antibodies</li><li>Aptamers</li><li>Antigen fragments</li></ul><p>This functionalization step provides the beads with the specificity required to bind the target analyte.</p><h3><strong>Materials and Key Components</strong></h3><h4><strong>Magnetic Beads</strong></h4><ul><li>Streptavidin-coated surface</li><li>Functionalized with biotinylated ligands</li></ul><h3><strong>Ligands</strong></h3><ul><li>Selected for target specificity</li><li>Attached to beads prior to purification</li></ul><h3><strong>Step-by-Step Procedure</strong></h3><h4><strong>1. Bead Activation</strong></h4><p>Load the biotinylated ligand onto the streptavidin-coated magnetic beads to confer specificity.</p><h4><strong>2. Washing</strong></h4><p>Remove impurities after ligand loading to prepare the beads for interaction with the sample.</p><h4><strong>3. Incubation with Sample</strong></h4><p>Incubate the functionalized beads with the sample to allow binding between the ligand and the target analyte.</p><h4><strong>4. Magnetic Separation</strong></h4><p>Place the sample on a magnet:</p><ul><li>Magnetic beads (with bound analyte) are attracted to the vessel wall</li><li>The liquid phase can be separated easily</li></ul><h4><strong>5. Washing</strong></h4><p>Wash the beads while they remain immobilized by the magnetic field to remove:</p><ul><li>Weak interactions</li><li>Non-specific binding</li></ul><h4><strong>6. Elution</strong></h4><p>Add an elution solvent to release the purified analyte from the beads.</p><h3><strong>Downstream Applications</strong></h3><p>After elution, the purified sample is ready for further analysis, including:</p><ul><li>LC-MS</li><li>Western blot</li><li>ELISA</li><li>Activity assays</li></ul><h4><strong>Advantages of Magnetic Bead-Based Workflows</strong></h4><p>Magnetic bead-based purification offers several key benefits:</p><h4><strong>Speed and Simplicity</strong></h4><ul><li>No centrifugation required</li><li>No complex instrumentation needed</li></ul><h4><strong>Improved Reproducibility</strong></h4><ul><li>Consistent magnetic separation</li><li>Reduced variability between runs</li></ul><h4><strong>Reduced Sample Loss</strong></h4><ul><li>Fewer transfer steps</li><li>Suitable for small or scarce samples</li></ul><h4><strong>Scalability and Throughput</strong></h4><ul><li>Compatible with automation</li><li>Supports microplate formats:<ul><li>96-well plates</li><li>384-well plates</li></ul></li></ul><h3><strong>Biozen™ Magnetic Beads Features</strong></h3><p>Phenomenex <strong>Biozen™ magnetic beads</strong> incorporate several design features:</p><ul><li><strong>Hydrophilic co-polymer surface</strong><ul><li>Reduces non-specific hydrophobic interactions</li></ul></li><li><strong>Biotinylated BSA spacer</strong><ul><li>Acts as a linker to streptavidin</li><li>Helps orient capture ligands</li></ul></li><li><strong>Monodispersed capture ligands</strong><ul><li>Optimized binding capacity</li></ul></li></ul><p>These features contribute to:</p><ul><li>Reduced non-specific binding</li><li>Improved capture consistency</li><li>Cleaner eluates</li></ul><h3><strong>When to Use Magnetic Beads</strong></h3><p>Magnetic bead-based purification is particularly suitable when:</p><ul><li>Sample volumes are small</li><li>Fast turnaround is required</li><li>Minimal equipment is preferred</li><li>High-throughput workflows are needed</li></ul><h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3><p>Magnetic bead-based protein purification simplifies traditional workflows by eliminating centrifugation and reducing complexity. Through selective capture and efficient magnetic separation, it enables faster processing, improved reproducibility, and compatibility with high-throughput and automated systems.</p>

Magnetic Bead-Based Protein Purification: A Faster and More Efficient Workflow

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Waters SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS

The SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS combines novel cyclic ion mobility separation with state-of-the-art, high performance, time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

<div><div id="title-c6692d35e8" data-locator="title-with-text"><h3><strong>Endless possibilities. Limitless research.</strong></h3></div></div><div><div id="text-ba9d3d94da" data-locator="text"><p><strong>Developed through focused collaboration, the SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS combines novel cyclic ion mobility separation with state-of-the-art, high performance, time-of-flight mass spectrometry, enabling leading researchers to unlock the potential in scientific discovery.</strong></p><p>The SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS enables selection of ions by both mass and mobility, a unique functionality of <strong>Cyclic Ion Mobility (cIM)</strong> that provides unparalleled flexibility and capabilities for research studies in both academia and industry. With ion mobility and mass spectrometry, you can separate by shape as well as&nbsp;<i>m/z</i>&nbsp;for separation of isomers, measure the <strong>Collisional Cross Section (CCS)</strong> of an ion, and achieve significantly cleaner mass spectral data.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_SELECT_SERIES_Cyclic_IMS_Novel_Cyclic_Ion_Mobility_c_IM_Technology_13abf6dd9b.jpg" alt="Waters SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS: Novel Cyclic Ion Mobility (cIM) Technology." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_SELECT_SERIES_Cyclic_IMS_Novel_Cyclic_Ion_Mobility_c_IM_Technology_13abf6dd9b.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"></p><h3><strong>Overview</strong></h3><div data-locator="section-container-body"><div><div><div data-locator="layoutcontainer-"><div><div id="text-26eab4b89b" data-locator="text"><ul><li>Combine <strong>cyclic ion mobility (cIM) separation</strong> with <strong>ToF mass spectrometry</strong></li><li>Separate more than ever before with ultimate ion mobility resolution for complete confidence</li><li>Perform <strong>unique IMS<sup>n</sup> experiments</strong> for increased selectivity and advanced characterization</li><li>Enable <strong>pre-mobility mass selection</strong> and <strong>mobility selection of precursor and product ions</strong></li><li>Achieve increased experimental flexibility for solving complex problems with three distinct fragmentation regions</li></ul></div></div><div><div id="text-36ff553b5f" data-locator="text"><h3><strong>Recommended Use</strong></h3><p>For identifying and rapidly monitoring co-eluting, isomeric metabolites in chemical reactions</p><blockquote><p class="cke-user_style-important"><strong>Video: </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nauwVH0L91o"><strong>Waters SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS</strong></a></p></blockquote><div><div id="text-8469d7776e" data-locator="text"><h3 data-locator="modal-title"><strong>Discover more with ultimate ion mobility resolution</strong></h3><p>The instrument design and control software enable a range of experiments, including acquisition of Tof data, Single pass ion mobility, and the ability to scale mobility resolution to match the complexity of a sample. Ion mobility resolution increases with the length of the mobility device and therefore with the number of passes.</p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/682;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_SELECT_SERIES_Cyclic_IMS_IMS_resolution_increases_with_the_number_of_passes_around_the_c_IM_device_121719dbe0.jpg" alt="Waters SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS: IMS resolution increases with the number of passes around the cIM device. Demonstrated here by the separation of reverse sequence peptides SDGRG and GRGDS. The Arrival Time Distributions (ATDs) obtained after 100 passes around the device are inset." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_SELECT_SERIES_Cyclic_IMS_IMS_resolution_increases_with_the_number_of_passes_around_the_c_IM_device_121719dbe0.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"></figure><div><div id="text-bb2fb9f91c" data-locator="text"><h3 data-locator="modal-title"><strong>Unlock the potential in scientific discovery</strong></h3><p>The unique instrument design of the SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS&nbsp;facilitates advanced ion mobility experiments like IMS<sup>n</sup>&nbsp;isolation. IMS<sup>n</sup>&nbsp;isolation&nbsp;extends the resolution of a specific mobility range,&nbsp;<i>e.g.,</i>&nbsp;ions of a specific species. Eject ions (without acquisition) outside of the desired mobility range, leaving the remaining species in the cIM to continue the separation process. This “trimming” approach can be undertaken numerous times and can be used, for example, to increase specificity of the selected ions or to prevent “wrap-around” in the cIM where high mobility ions catch up with low mobility ions in multi-pass experiments. Multiple cyclic sequences of different numbers of passes can be defined in one, multi-pass LC-MS method, increasing productivity by reducing the need for multiple injections of the same sample.</p></div></div><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/578;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_SELECT_SERIES_Cyclic_IMS_Investigation_into_acyl_glucuronides_via_infusion_f3bf2c67e2.jpg" alt="Waters SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS: Investigation into acyl glucuronides via infusion. Slicing enables further IMS separation of target metabolite (blue region) of interest and other ions can be ejected. Increasing the IMS resolution reveals an additional 4-O acyl. In collaboration with Imperial College London – Ian D. Wilson." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_SELECT_SERIES_Cyclic_IMS_Investigation_into_acyl_glucuronides_via_infusion_f3bf2c67e2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="578"></figure><div><div id="text-78a4dc4d5e" data-locator="text"><h3 data-locator="modal-title"><strong>Undertake advanced structural characterization</strong></h3><p><strong>IMS<sup>n</sup>&nbsp;activation</strong>&nbsp;is ideal for <strong>advanced structural characterization</strong>. During mobility separation, excise a segment of the mobility separated species and send the ions to the pre array storage device. Unwanted ions are ejected, and the stored ions are then re-injected into the array under collision induced activation/dis-sociation conditions, as required, and subsequent mobility separation performed. The product ions can then be sent to the&nbsp;Tof<i>&nbsp;</i>for detection or can undergo further rounds of mobility selection providing the unique IMS<sup>n</sup>&nbsp;capability.</p></div></div><div><div id="text-079d02ceb8" data-locator="text"><h3 data-locator="modal-title"><strong>Imaging mass spectrometry with DESI XS and Cyclic IMS</strong></h3><p>The unique combination of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=26&amp;mainauthorItems=5&amp;search=DESI+XS"><strong>DESI XS</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>with SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS provides ultimate levels of specificity for <strong>MS imaging</strong> approaches. DESI XS produces a visual map of the spatial distribution of a wide range of analytes, for example small molecule drugs, metabolites, and lipids across the surface of a tissue sample, and the unique capabilities and modes of acquisition of Cyclic IMS enable comprehensive in-depth experiments to be performed.</p></div></div><div><div id="text-673d117887" data-locator="text"><h3 data-locator="modal-title"><strong>Increased sensitivity provides confidence in what you find</strong></h3><p>To complement the novel <strong>Cyclic Ion Mobility</strong> capability and for complete confidence in your data, the&nbsp;SELECT SERIES&nbsp;Cyclic IMS is equipped with the latest <strong>ToF technology</strong>. The XS transfer device maintains the fidelity of the ion mobility separation while simultaneously conditioning the ion beam for the absolute best time-of-flight performance. The new offset oa-Tof with dual gain detection system <strong>provides improved sensitivity, resolution &gt;100,000 (FWHM), reliable accurate exact mass measurements</strong> (low ppm), and <strong>improved dynamic range</strong>.</p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/682;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mass_spectrum_highlighting_resolution_of_100_000_FWHM_on_the_7_charge_state_of_monomeric_9ff8f53204.jpg" alt="Waters SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS: Mass spectrum highlighting resolution of >100,000 (FWHM) on the 7+ charge state of monomeric." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Mass_spectrum_highlighting_resolution_of_100_000_FWHM_on_the_7_charge_state_of_monomeric_9ff8f53204.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Waters SYNAPT XS High Resolution Mass Spectrometer

The SYNAPT XS Ion Mobility Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer provides ultimate flexibility, offering greater freedom of analytical choice to support scientific creativity and technical success for any application.

<div><div><h4><strong>Ultimate flexibility for deeper discovery</strong></h4></div></div><div><div><p><strong>In the arena of scientific discovery, the slow pace of advancement and escalating costs of research can prove to be a challenge. Unlike competitor systems with restricted inlet options, scan function limitations, or requiring multiple platforms, only Waters offers an all-encompassing high-performing LC-MS solution, the SYNAPT XS mass spectrometer, for ultimate flexibility and greater freedom of analytical choice – supporting scientific creativity and technical success for any application.</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Novel technology building blocks deliver cutting-edge analytical performance</strong></li><li><strong>SONAR</strong> and <strong>HDMSE</strong> provide a unique toolkit for interrogating complex mixtures</li><li><strong>Ion mobility</strong> multiplies peak capacity and selectivity of analysis</li><li><strong>CCS measurements</strong> increase security of compound identification</li><li><strong>Deeper discovery in Mass Spectrometry Imaging</strong> with<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.waters.com/waters/Full-Spectrum-Molecular-Imaging-/nav.htm?cid=135070661"><strong>Full Spectrum Molecular Imaging</strong></a> enabled by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.waters.com/waters/DESI-XS---Desorption-Electrospray-Ionization-/nav.htm?cid=135047466"><strong>DESI XS</strong></a> and MALDI</li></ul><h4><strong>Overview</strong></h4><div><div><div><div><ul><li><strong>Serve the broadest range of applications </strong>with the most extensive range of chromatograph inlets for ultimate flexibility</li><li><strong>Attain fragment ion information for every detectable component</strong> for unambiguous confirmation of compound identity with DIA modes <strong>SONAR</strong>, MSE, and <strong>HDMSE</strong></li><li><strong>Generate rich fragmentation data</strong> from highly complex samples in all acquisition modes including DDA</li><li>Simplify and streamline the mass spectral imaging workflow and deliver multi-layered, information-rich data with multiple imaging techniques and accompanying High Definition Imaging (HDI) Software</li><li><strong>Achieve automated higher order structure determination </strong>thorough confident identification, intact mass analysis, and best-in-class reproducibility</li><li><strong>Enhance MS/MS possibilities</strong> using complementary fragmentation techniques with high resolution and accurate mass measurements</li></ul></div></div><div><div><h5><strong>Recommended Use</strong></h5><p>For deeper discovery by aligning complimentary workflows on a single <strong>Ion mobility</strong> enabled time-of-flight mass spectrometer with the flexibility of multiple ion sources and acquisition modes.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_4_696d77ce2b.jpg" alt="Waters SYNAPT XS High Resolution Mass Spectrometer: The Waters SYNAPT XS offers flexibility and freedom of analytical choice with an extensive range of chromatographic inlets." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_4_696d77ce2b.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"></p><div><div><h3><strong>Cutting edge performance with novel technology</strong></h3><p>With technology building blocks inherited from the <strong>Waters Advanced Mass Spectrometry</strong> <strong>SELECT SERIES</strong>, advanced innovation is built-in, ensuring scientists using this platform are at the cutting edge of mass spectrometry while retaining the ease of use and established end-to-end workflows for which the <strong>SYNAPT </strong>is well known.</p><ul><li><strong>StepWave&nbsp;XS -&nbsp;</strong>Redesigned segmented quadrupole transfer optics provide enhanced sensitivity for challenging compounds while further improving levels of analytical robustness.</li><li><strong>Extended ToF -&nbsp;</strong>Delivers UPLC-compatible mass resolution, matrix-tolerant dynamic range, and quantitative results for the most complex samples, while offering superior specifications to previous SYNAPT models.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_9f19abb382.jpg" alt="Waters SYNAPT XS High Resolution Mass Spectrometer: SYNAPT XS schematic." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_9f19abb382.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="546"></p></div></div><div><div><h3><strong>Interrogate complex mixtures with a unique toolkit</strong></h3><p>A complete analytical strategy requires the combination of appropriate complementary techniques to see the bigger picture. With both <strong>SONAR</strong> and IMS-based <strong>data independent acquisition</strong> (DIA) modes of operation on the SYNAPT XS, the discovery analyst is in a unique position to interrogate complex mixtures by complementary mechanisms. Both types of acquisition increase analytical <strong>peak capacity</strong>, providing ‘clean and clear’ fragmentation data, but based on different molecular properties. This provides a truly unique investigative toolbox for the in-depth interrogation of complex mixtures.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_2_9179e575a4.jpg" alt="Waters SYNAPT XS High Resolution Mass Spectrometer: During each scan the quadrupole separates co-eluting precursor masses by scanning the mass range, and transiting them in sequence. Fragment ions from different precursors can then be recorded separately and assigned with confidence." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_2_9179e575a4.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="593"></p></div></div><div><div><h3><strong>Discover more with ion mobility and CSS measurement</strong></h3><p>Conventional mass spectrometers separate components based on m/z. The SYNAPT XS also allows separation of molecules according to<strong> their size, shape, and charge during ion mobility experiments as a function of their collisional cross section</strong> (CCS). As well as ion mobility offering an additional dimension of resolution, multiplying <strong>peak capacity</strong>, and <strong>selectivity of analysis</strong> the measurement of CCS offers additional molecular identifiers. The measured CCS of an ion can be used to help confirm an ion’s identity or investigate its structure. The inclusion of ion mobility significantly increases the extent and confidence with which a scientist can profile complex mixtures and complex molecules – dramatically enhancing sample definition.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_3_2240bff527.jpg" alt="Waters SYNAPT XS High Resolution Mass Spectrometer: Retention and drift time principle ion mobility enabled data-independent LC-HDMSE analysis (LC-DIA-IM-MS)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_3_2240bff527.jpg 204w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="784"></p></div></div><div><div><h3><strong>Achieve ultra-confident structural characterization of components</strong></h3><p>Time aligned parallel (TAP) fragmentation is an acquisition mode unique to the T-Wave IMS design. It permits users to take the advantage of the <strong>TriWave configuration</strong>, which allows the pre-IMS T-Wave and post-IMS T-Wave to operate as two separate collision cells. The resultant CID-IMS-CID instrumental operation helps to provide ultra-confident structural characterization of components. <strong>TAP fragmentation</strong> provides a distinct advantage for building a complete structure, through superior fragment ion coverage, sensitivity, and accuracy compared to traditional MSⁿ or MS/MS techniques.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_5_4dd33f1ab5.jpg" alt="Waters SYNAPT XS High Resolution Mass Spectrometer: Schematic showing Time Aligned Parallel Fragmentation. " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_SYNAPT_XS_High_Resolution_Mass_Spectrometer_5_4dd33f1ab5.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Products from category TOF spectrometers focused on Ion Mobility from Waters - page 1

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News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 15, 2026