Device built-in

Introduction to the TimsTOF Pro Ion Mobility Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer

The TimsTOF Pro, developed by Bruker, is a trapped ion mobility spectrometry-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TIMS-QTOF) that enables high-speed, high-sensitivity 4D proteomics analysis through Parallel Accumulation Serial Fragmentation (PASEF) technology. It is widely used in proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics research.

Core Technological Features

1. Trapped Ion Mobility Separation (TIMS)
   In addition to the traditional LC-MS dimensions—retention time (RT), mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), and ion intensity—TIMS adds collision cross-section (CCS) as a fourth dimension, significantly improving separation capability and peak capacity. The dual-TIMS design enables parallel ion accumulation and separation, achieving near 100% ion utilization and 20x higher sensitivity compared to conventional mass spectrometers.

2. Ultra-High Speed & High Resolution

   • MS/MS scan speed ≥120 Hz, supporting ultra-short chromatographic gradients (down to 100 ms). A single run can identify 5,200+ proteins (e.g., 200 ng HeLa sample).
   • Resolution ≥50,000 (@ m/z 1222) with mass accuracy ≤0.8 ppm (internal standard), ideal for deep coverage of complex samples.

3. PASEF Technology Advantages

   • Repeated fragmentation of low-abundance ions enhances MS/MS spectral quality, supporting DDA/DIA-PASEF modes with quantitative precision ≥90%.
   • CCS-assisted identification reduces false positives and improves confidence in metabolite/lipid annotation.

Applications

• Trace Sample Analysis: Single-cell proteomics quantifies 3,000+ proteins, suitable for biopsies, microdissected tissues, and other precious samples.
• Clinical Research: High-throughput 4D lipidomics/metabolomics of FFPE samples, blood, etc., accelerating biomarker discovery.
• Drug Development: Tracks drug distribution and pharmacokinetics, optimizing target screening.

User Benefits

The TimsTOF Pro, built on "speed, sensitivity, and multi-dimensional analysis," overcomes limitations of traditional mass spectrometry, providing a powerful tool for both research and clinical translation. Its stability supports long-term continuous operation, while integrated software (e.g., MetaboScape, PEAKS) enables end-to-end analysis from data acquisition to bioinformatics.

(Note: Specifications are subject to official documentation.)