nanoELUTE-nESI-timsTOF Flex
The TIMS-TOF Flex (Bruker Daltonics, Germany) is a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer utilizing qTOF technology, specifically optimized for advanced proteomics. The instrument features a Captive Spray nano-ESI ion source, which maintains exceptional sensitivity even at ultra-low flow rates in the nL/min range. With a resolution exceeding 80,000, the system is capable of analyzing a broad spectrum of protein-related analytes, from small peptides to large macromolecular complexes.
A core feature of the instrument is the dual Trapped Ion Mobility (TIMS) device, which increases sensitivity by more than tenfold. This allows for the separation of ions based on their collisional cross-section (mobility) in addition to their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), providing ultra-high specificity. The system utilizes the PASEF (Parallel Accumulation-Serial Fragmentation) family of algorithms, including DIA-PASEF, which is routinely employed for high-throughput proteomics. This approach allows for the pre-isolation of specific ion mobility ranges prior to mass spectral fragmentation, significantly enhancing peptide identification rates. The instrument is optimized for bottom-up proteomics, coupled with an Elute nano-UPLC system. This chromatographic setup accommodates nano-columns and delivers precise flow rates in the low nL/min range. Additionally, the system features a proprietary injection mode designed for low-nanoliter volumes to minimize sample waste. Data processing is performed using the FragPipe computational suite, hosted on a high-performance server environment for robust bioinformatic analysis.
