Device built-in

Comprehensive Analysis of AB Sciex 6600 TripleTOF System

The AB Sciex 6600 TripleTOF™ system represents a premium high-resolution mass spectrometry platform that combines the selectivity of triple quadrupole technology with the high-resolution capabilities of time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. This system delivers ultra-high sensitivity and precise mass measurement for cutting-edge research in proteomics, metabolomics, biomarker discovery, and other advanced applications.

System Configuration and Core Technologies

The 6600 TripleTOF system features a quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem architecture comprising three core modules:

1. Ion Source System:

• Standard Turbo V™ ion source supporting both ESI and APCI ionization modes
• Optional MALDI source for laser desorption ionization
• Ion source temperature up to 700°C for challenging compounds
• Ion beam focusing technology enhances ion transmission efficiency

2. Mass Analyzer:

• First quadrupole (Q1) for precursor ion selection (mass range: 5-2,250 Da)
• Second quadrupole (Q2) as collision cell with adjustable collision energy (0-100 eV)
• Third time-of-flight analyzer (TOF) providing >40,000 FWHM resolution
• Mass accuracy <2 ppm RMS for confident compound identification

3. Detection System:

• Multi-channel plate (MCP) detector with acquisition speed up to 100 spectra/sec
• Dynamic range >5 orders of magnitude for simultaneous detection of high/low abundance components
• TOF vacuum system maintains <5×10⁻⁷ Torr ultra-high vacuum for measurement stability

Performance Advantages and Innovative Features

The 6600 TripleTOF system incorporates several groundbreaking technologies:

1. SWATH® Acquisition Technology:

• Enables data-independent acquisition (DIA), obtaining MS/MS data for all components in a single run
• Increases compound coverage by 5-10x compared to traditional DDA mode
• Supports 25 variable SWATH windows for optimized sensitivity across mass ranges

2. Ultra-High Mass Accuracy:

• Mass error <2 ppm enables elemental composition determination
• Real-time mass calibration ensures long-term stability
• Isotopic pattern fit >90% improves compound confirmation reliability

3. Exceptional Sensitivity:

• Full scan mode detection limit at fg level (reserpine)
• MS/MS mode detection limit <1 pg (on-column)
• Dynamic range >10⁵ for trace analysis in complex matrices

4. Intelligent Data Processing:

• PeakView® and MasterView™ software for comprehensive analysis
• Automated metabolite annotation and pathway analysis
• Seamless integration with ProteinPilot™ for proteomics big data processing

Key Application Areas

With its outstanding performance, the 6600 TripleTOF system has become the gold standard in:

• Proteomics: Large-scale protein identification, PTM analysis, protein interaction studies
• Metabolomics: Global small molecule analysis, metabolic pathway elucidation, disease biomarker discovery
• Pharmaceutical Research: Drug metabolite identification, impurity analysis, DMPK studies
• Food Safety: Pesticide screening, adulterant detection, food authenticity verification
• Environmental Analysis: Monitoring emerging contaminants (PPCPs, EDCs, etc.)

In clinical proteomics research, the 6600 TripleTOF with SWATH technology can identify >4,000 plasma proteins in a single 30-minute analysis, providing powerful support for precision medicine. For metabolomics applications, the system can simultaneously detect >1,000 metabolites in polarity switching mode with mass error <1 ppm.

The AB Sciex 6600 TripleTOF system represents the pinnacle of high-resolution mass spectrometry technology. Its innovative SWATH acquisition combined with ultra-high resolution capabilities opens new avenues for systems biology research, making it the ideal platform for translational medicine and life science investigations.