Massaspektrometriseen

Massaspektrometriseen refers to mass spectrometry and its related techniques in Finnish usage, describing methods that measure ions by their mass-to-charge ratio. Mass spectrometry is an analytical science used to identify and quantify chemicals, determine molecular formulas, and provide structural information based on how molecules ionize and fragment.

In a typical workflow, a sample is converted into ions (ionization), these ions are separated in a mass analyzer according to m/z, and detected to produce a spectrum. Ionization methods vary: electron impact (EI) is common for small volatile compounds, while soft ionization techniques such as electrospray (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) are widely used for large biomolecules. Mass analyzers include quadrupoles, time-of-flight (TOF), Orbitraps, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR), and ion traps, each offering different resolution, sensitivity, and speed.

Data interpretation focuses on the mass spectrum, where peaks correspond to ions with specific m/z values. High-resolution instruments allow exact mass measurements, enabling formula determination. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) adds fragmentation data to reveal structural information, improving compound identification and sequencing in proteomics and metabolomics.

Applications span many fields: proteomics and genomics research, pharmaceutical development, environmental monitoring, toxicology, food safety, and materials science. Strengths include high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and the ability to analyze complex mixtures; limitations involve ionization efficiency, matrix effects, and the need for appropriate standards and calibration.

Note: In Finnish, massaspektrometrinen elements are described using inflected forms such as massaspektrometriseen to indicate relations to mass spectrometry.