Massaspektrometrit

Massaspektrometrit is a highly sensitive analytical instrument used to determine the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of ions, enabling precise identification and quantification of chemical substances. The technique combines ionization, mass analysis, and detection to provide detailed information about molecular structure, composition, and concentration. It is widely applied in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, environmental science, and materials research.

The core principle of massaspektrometrit relies on ionizing sample molecules to create charged particles, which are then separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio in an electric or magnetic field. Common ionization methods include electron ionization (EI), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), and electrospray ionization (ESI). After ionization, the ions are accelerated through a vacuum tube, where their trajectories are influenced by magnetic or electric fields, allowing for their separation and detection.

Modern massaspektrometrit systems often integrate with other techniques, such as chromatography or spectroscopy, to enhance accuracy and sample throughput. For example, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are powerful hybrid methods used for complex mixture analysis. The resulting mass spectra—graphs of ion intensity versus m/z—serve as unique fingerprints for identifying compounds.

Applications of massaspektrometrit range from drug discovery and proteomics to forensic analysis and environmental monitoring. Its ability to detect trace amounts of substances, even in complex matrices, makes it indispensable in both research and industrial settings. Advances in technology continue to improve sensitivity, resolution, and speed, expanding its role in scientific and medical diagnostics.