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Thermo Scientific Q Exactive HF (2014) High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry System Introduction

The Thermo Scientific Q Exactive HF, launched in 2014, represents a high-performance hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry system, embodying the state-of-the-art technology for proteomics and metabolomics research at that time. This system combines high-performance quadrupole precursor ion selection with ultra-high-resolution Orbitrap mass analyzer, providing researchers with exceptional sensitivity, resolution, and scanning speed, making it an essential tool for life science research.

Core Technical Features

The Q Exactive HF employs an innovative quadrupole-Orbitrap hybrid design, consisting of three core modules:

1. Ion Source System:

• Standard HESI-II electrospray ion source compatible with multiple ionization modes (ESI, APCI)
• Advanced ion focusing technology significantly improves sensitivity compared to previous generations
• Temperature range: 50-600°C for diverse compound analysis
• Patented ion beam focusing technology reduces matrix interference

2. Mass Analyzer:

• Mass range: 10-3,000 m/z with maximum resolution up to 240,000 FWHM
• Segmented quadrupole technology with adjustable collision energy (0-120 eV)
• Scanning speed up to 18 Hz, meeting high-throughput analysis demands

3. Detection System:

• High dynamic range detector
• Linear range >10⁶ with correlation coefficient R²>0.99
• High acquisition rate supports complex sample analysis

Performance Advantages

The Q Exactive HF boasts several industry-leading technical specifications:

1. Ultra-High Sensitivity:

• Full scan mode: S/N ratio >400:1 for 50fg reserpine on-column
• Selected ion monitoring: S/N ratio >800:1 for 50fg reserpine on-column
• Significantly improved detection capability for low-abundance components

2. High Resolution and Accurate Mass Measurement:

• Maximum resolution up to 240,000 FWHM (m/z 200)
• Mass accuracy <3 ppm (external calibration) or <1 ppm (internal calibration)
• Enables accurate identification of compounds in complex samples

3. High-Throughput Analysis Capability:

• Scanning speed up to 18 Hz
• Supports multiple quantitative methods including Label-free, TMT, and iTRAQ
• Ideal for large-scale proteomics research

Key Applications

The Q Exactive HF demonstrates outstanding performance in:

• Proteomics: Large-scale protein identification and quantification, post-translational modification studies
• Metabolomics: Small molecule metabolite detection and quantitative analysis
• Lipidomics: Structural elucidation and quantification of complex lipid molecules
• Biopharmaceuticals: Protein drug characterization and quality control

In proteomics research, the Q Exactive HF can identify approximately 25,000 unique peptides in a one-hour LC-MS/MS gradient, providing powerful technical support for large-scale proteome studies. In metabolomics, its high resolution and mass accuracy enable accurate identification of small molecule metabolites in complex biological samples.

The Thermo Scientific Q Exactive HF represented the forefront of high-resolution mass spectrometry technology in 2014, with its innovative design concept and exceptional performance providing efficient and reliable solutions for life science research, making it an ideal tool for proteomics, metabolomics, and related research fields.