LCMSbased

LCMSbased, or LCMS-based analytics, refers to analytical approaches that couple liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry to separate, detect, and identify chemical species in complex samples. In LCMS-based analyses, a sample is first separated by liquid chromatography according to properties such as polarity or affinity. The eluting compounds are then ionized, commonly by electrospray ionization (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and introduced into a mass spectrometer. The MS measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, with various mass analyzers used, including quadrupole, time-of-flight, Orbitrap, and ion trap. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) can provide structural information by fragmenting selected ions and analyzing the fragments.

LCMS-based methods offer high sensitivity and specificity, broad dynamic range, and the ability to analyze complex mixtures with minimal derivatization. They support qualitative identification through accurate mass and fragmentation patterns, and quantitative analysis via calibration and isotope-labeled standards. Advances in high-resolution MS enable precise mass measurements and the separation of closely related isomers.

Applications span proteomics, metabolomics, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical analysis, clinical chemistry, environmental monitoring, food safety, and forensic science. Limitations include the cost and maintenance of instruments, the need for skilled operation and method development, and potential matrix effects that require careful sample preparation and data interpretation. LCMS-based workflows continue to evolve with improvements in ion sources, mass analyzers, and data-processing software.