Tandemmassaspektrometriaa

Tandemmassaspektrometriaa, often abbreviated as MS/MS or 3D MS, is an analytical technique that involves two stages of mass spectrometry. In the first stage, a specific ion of interest, called the precursor ion, is selected from a mixture of ions. This selected ion is then subjected to fragmentation, typically by collision with an inert gas. The resulting fragments, called product ions, are then analyzed in a second stage of mass spectrometry. By measuring the masses of these product ions, information about the structure of the original precursor ion can be deduced.

The power of tandem mass spectrometry lies in its ability to provide highly specific and sensitive analysis. The initial selection of the precursor ion effectively filters out background noise, allowing for the detection and quantification of analytes even at very low concentrations. The fragmentation pattern serves as a unique fingerprint for a given molecule, enabling its unambiguous identification. This makes tandem mass spectrometry a valuable tool in a wide range of fields.

Applications of tandem mass spectrometry are diverse. In proteomics, it is used to identify and quantify proteins in complex biological samples. This is crucial for understanding cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and for drug discovery. In pharmaceutical analysis, it is employed for drug metabolism studies, impurity profiling, and quality control. Environmental monitoring also benefits from MS/MS for detecting and quantifying pollutants. Forensic science utilizes the technique for drug testing and identifying trace evidence. The ability to achieve high specificity and sensitivity makes tandem mass spectrometry indispensable for many modern scientific investigations.