Operational Principles of Mass Spectrometry in Molecular Analysis
A mass spectrometer is a high-precision analytical instrument used to determine the molecular weight and chemical structure of substances by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. This technology is indispensable in proteomics, toxicology, and environmental science, allowing for the detection of trace amounts of complex molecules.
The analytical process involves three main components: an ion source to charge the sample, a mass analyzer to separate the ions based on their movement in an electric or magnetic field, and a detector to record the abundance of each ion, producing a characteristic spectrum for molecular identification.
The sensitivity of mass spectrometry allows for the identification of unknown compounds at the molecular level, which is a critical requirement in forensic science and drug testing. Various ionization techniques, such as electrospray ionization or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, are used depending on the physical state and stability of the sample. For example, electrospray is ideal…
