Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer

Plasma is a rich source for protein biomarkers that can be used to reveal disease biology, measure responses to therapeutic treatments, or for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. A major advantage of plasma proteomics is the convenience of obtaining samples from routine blood draws and the availability of large cohorts of samples stored awaiting analysis such as in biobanks. However, identifying these biomarkers with bottom-up proteomics has substantial challenges due to the wide range of protein concentrations present in plasma. In this application note, Thermo Fisher Scientific evaluates the performance of the novel Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer for plasma proteomics using four of the most common plasma sample preparation methods. The Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer enables twice the proteome coverage compared to the current commercial mass spectrometers for the same gradient. In addition, with double the throughput, it provides higher proteome coverage.

In recent years there has been a shift to analyzing smaller sample quantities, driven by the interest in profiling the proteome of individual cells. This increased focus on LC-MS analysis of limited sample amounts (e.g., single-cells) requires the highest possible sensitivity. At the same time, throughput and chromatographic performance must be preserved to generate sufficiently high-quality data from large data sets to draw meaningful conclusions. Traditional proteomics approaches read out the average of a sample, while single-cell proteomics provides insights into the exact nature of each of the components in such samples. The Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer delivers a new standard for low-input samples with both deeper proteome coverage and faster throughput due to its high sensitivity. In this application note, Thermo Fisher Scientific presents a low-input proteomics sample workflow using the Thermo Scientific™ Pierce™ HeLa protein digest standard in nanogram and picogram loads on the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer to demonstrate new standards in sensitivity and depth of proteome coverage using a library-free and library-based DIA approach.

Join Kerry Parker, CEO at SelectScience, in an insightful discussion with Dan Shine, Senior Vice President and President, Analytical Instruments, Asia Pacific and Latin America at Thermo Fisher Scientific. In this video, they delve into the remarkable technological and data revolution currently shaping the science industry. Together, they explore the pivotal advancements in mass spectrometry that have propelled the field of analytical science forward.

In the video, Shine also shares valuable insights on the essential factors for a successful technology launch, shedding light on the keys to triumph in this dynamic realm. Furthermore, Shine delves into the pivotal role that advances in data analytics, precision medicine, and the pursuit of clean energy will play in the future. Discover how these key elements are poised to drive further acceleration in scientific endeavors, opening new avenues of exploration and innovation.

The Cell Diversity Lab at the Technical University of Denmark is utilizing mass spectrometry-based proteomics to unravel fundamental biological concepts controlling heterogeneity within complex biological systems.

In this video, Prof. Erwin Schoof, Associate Professor, Cell Diversity Lab, Technical University of Denmark, explains how the Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ Astral™ mass spectrometer is revolutionizing single-cell proteomics, enabling the Cell Diversity Lab to characterize low abundant proteins such as transcription factors, kinases, and epigenetic regulators which were previously undetectable by mass spectrometry. Prof. Schoof also discusses his thoughts on the future of single-cell proteomics and the ever-increasing role he believes multiplex data independent acquisition will play in improving the throughput of single-cell analysis.

This video was filmed at ASMS 2023.

Combining Syncell’s Microscoop technology and Thermo Fisher’s Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer series

Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer combines high resolution and speed to accelerate the discovery of new proteins and advance precision medicine