Introduced for the first time in 2023, the Orbitrap Astral (Thermo Fisher Scientific) is a next-generation mass spectrometer that delivers unparalleled performance in terms of sensitivity, measurement accuracy, and acquisition speed thanks to the synergy of 3 analyzers:
- A high-selectivity quadrupole modified to maximize ion transmission and enable ultra-fast switching (1 ms).
- A high-resolution Orbitrap up to 480k providing measurement precision <1 ppm.
- The brand-new Astral analyzer (ASymetric TRAcl Lossless mass analyzer) based on multi-reflectron TOF technology, enabling the acquisition of MS2 spectra at a speed of 200Hz at a resolution of 80k without loss of transmission.
The ability of this instrument to operate these components in parallel enables it to offer impressive analytical throughput (up to 180 samples per day). It also allows for very wide proteome coverage (>12,000 proteins in 1 hour for human cells) as well as very high sensitivity (> 5000 proteins on a single cell).
This high-end instrument makes the Proteomics Platform of Quebec one of the best-equipped in Canada. Interfaced with a highly versatile UHPLC system Vanquish Neo (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and a FAIMS Pro Duo ion mobility system allowing background noise reduction, the Orbitrap Astral enables the handling of complex projects involving a large number of samples and/or very wide proteome coverage.
It also enables the development of a single-cell proteomics analysis service.