AXIMA-CFR uses Launchpad for Proteomics ^TM software featuring Nested-PSD^TM, and Kratos On Line Analysis (KOLA^TM ). This can be used in combination with a dedicated search engine software routine for fast effective protein identification.

The AXIMA-CFR is a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF) incorporating a matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization (MALDI) source with a TOF mass analyzer. It provides high resolution and sensitivity with high throughput sample handling capabilities using a 384-spot microtiter-format MALDI target. MALDI-CFR is the workhorse mass spectrometer used to obtain MS spectra for protein identification by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF). When operated in PSD mode, MS/MS spectra for peptide sequencing can be obtained.

AXIMA-CFR incorporates:

• A unique curved field reflectron for seamless PSD fragmentation of peptides carbohydrates and low molecular weight compounds,
• A high performance ion gate for reliable parent ion selection in PSD mode,
• A camera for viewing samples during acquisition,
• A novel laser-focusing mechanism to maximize ion yield,
• Pulsed extraction for enhanced resolution,
• Near ultra high vacuum, for improved sensitivity,
• High performance ion optic system optimized for resolution,
• An integrated 1GHz transient recorder to maximize resolution and accuracy.

Launchpad^TMsoftware supports the unique functionality of the AXIMA-QIT with the addition of Intellimarque^TM automated data-dependent MS/MS analysis.

The AXIMA-QIT is a hybrid quadrupole ion trap - reflectron time-of-flight instrument incorporating a matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization (MALDI) source. MSⁿ allows for multiple rounds of parent-ion isolation and fragmentation, making it ideal for detailed structure characterization of biomolecules, particularly oligosaccharides.

AXIMA-QIT incorporates:

• True MSⁿ for structural studies,
• Variable energy CID control,
• High resolution precursor ion selection,
• Uniform trapping efficiency,
• High mass resolution across MS and MSⁿ analyses,
• Constant high mass accuracy across MS and MSⁿ analyses,
• Time of flight resolution and accuracy independent of laser energy,
• Near-perpendicular laser irradiation for high efficiency ion generation and ion transfer to the quadrupole ion trap.

The Q-Tof API-US is a hybrid quadrupole - orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight (Q/OA-TOF) instrument incorporating a Z SPRAY^TM ion source for both APCI and ESI. This electrospray instrument is ideal for high-sensitivity proteomics applications where tandem-MS spectra covering a large mass range are required.

Q-Tof^TMAPI-US incorporates:

• High ion conductance to a hexapole collision cell for high sensitivity,
• Ultra high efficiency OA-TOF mass analyzer,
• Up to 100 times more sensitivity than tandem quadrupole MS/MS when acquiring full product ion (MS-MS) mass spectra - essential for confident assignment in peptide characterization,
• An upper m/z range of 20,000 and a resolution of 10,000 FWHM in both MS and MS-MS modes - increased to 17,500 with Micromass' exclusive W- OPTICS option,
• Simple switching from V- OPTICS to W- OPTICS mode,
• Automatic exact mass measurement over a wide dynamic range (~10 4 ) at full sensitivity,
• Masses of small ions (< m/z 1000) in both MS and MS-MS spectra can be measured routinely to within 5 ppm RMS, in the presence of a known lock mass or to within 10 ppm RMS without an internal reference.

Xcalibur® software provides advanced data reduction and display capabilities.  It includes tools to reduce user intervention and maximize the amount of information generated automatically.  Seamless integration with the Surveyor^TM LC System provides an LC/MSⁿ system that delivers analytical solutions.

The LTQ is a 2-dimensional linear ion trap mass spectrometer incorporating the Finnigan Ion Max source for high sensitivity MSⁿ capability. This instrument is ideal for studies of low molecular weight peptides and oligosaccharides where MSⁿ probing of structural details is the goal. An HPLC interface allows for separation of complex mixtures prior to on-line MSⁿ analysis.

LTQ incorporates:

• A rapidly interchangeable ESI (electrospray ionization) and APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) source
• Ultra-high sensitivity and resolution at fast scan speeds for exceptional coverage,
• A segmented linear trap with radial ejection and dual detection system enabling the highest overall detection efficiency,
• Unmatched MSⁿ quality on low abundance ions,
• Optional APCI, LCQ NanoSpray , APCI/APPI , combination and AP-MALDI ion sources.

LCQ

The LCQ is ThermoFinnigan's classic ion trap instrument fitted with electrospray ionization source (ESI) for MSⁿ analysis. The optical system with video monitor is used to align the electrospray tip for optimal performance. This instrument does not have the enhanced sensitivity of the newer LTQ but offers a reliable analysis platform where sample size limitations are less important. We use this instrument for the development of new chemistries and new synthetic approaches.

GCQ

MCE Model

Mixed mode MCE, IEF

The Proteome Systems IsoelectrIQ 2 is a multicompartment electrolyser (MCE) and immobilized pH gradient isoelectric focusing system (IEF). The MCE precisely separates complex protein mixtures into fractions according to pI range. The isolated fractions can then be separated on narrow pI-range first dimension gel strips for subsequent 2D gel analysis. The IsoelectrIQ² is ideal for situations where:

• Complex samples need to be separated on a number of narrow pI-range gels for enhanced resolution thus revealing the full protein complement,
• High abundance proteins in a sample need to be removed to acquire lower abundance proteins in higher yield and facilitate downstream analyses

IsoelectrIQ² provides:

• High reproducibility and true ease of use,
• Three MCE separations or three IEF trays to be run at the same time,
• Each IEF tray can hold up to 12 strips, for the capacity to run 36 strips in parallel,
• Potential for coupling first dimension strips from the IsoelectrIQ² with the second dimension separation on the Proteome Systems' ElectrophoretIQ³

The Xcise, developed jointly by Shimadzu Biotech and Proteome Systems, integrates the functions of gel imaging, protein-spot cutting, enzymatic digestion, peptide extraction and MALDI plate preparation into a single instrument. All of the standard processes of washing, de-staining, enzyme digestion, incubation, peptide extraction, sample clean-up, and spotting are performed robotically inside the instrument. This is the ideal instrument for large-scale sample processing in support of exploratory proteomics. The Xcise has the following features:

The Xcise's fully automated calibration routine allows accurate and reproducible spot detection. Smart software optimizes sample processing and data delivery to Shimadzu's AXIMA-CFR mass spectrometer. The data are automatically stored in a database and can be categorized by project, experiment, and gel.

Automatic Gel Analysis System

FEATURES:

• Pull-out transilluminator tray for easy access.
• Motorized or manual lens controls all optical conditions.
• AlphaEaseT FC software controls motorized lens option.
• Motorized filter wheel, and ergonomic touch panel OR AlphaEaseT FC software controls all filter and lighting options.
• Real time intelligent AlphaEaseT FC software feedback for cabinet lighting, filter position, optics and door open/closed status.
• Automatically shuts-off light sources once image is acquired to prevent excessive photonicking or bleaching of samples and to prevent personal UV exposure when the door is opened.

Effective Enrichment of Low-Abundance Proteins

The Rotofor separates complex protein mixtures into 20 distinct fractions by liquid-phase IEF. Because the Rotofor system can process up to gram quantities of protein and effectively concentrates proteins into discrete zones based on their pI, the Rotofor is a proven and effective method for the enrichment of even low-abundance proteins.

The Rotofor cell is a unique preparative protein purification device that separates proteins in free solution by liquid-phase isoelectric focusing (IEF). Whether used alone or as a part of a broader purification scheme, the Rotofor offers rapid, simple, and effective fractionation and purification of even low-abundance proteins from complex protein mixtures.

Integrates Into Any Purification Scheme

The Rotofor rapidly isolates proteins of interest from the bulk proteins in complex biological samples and provides purified, biologically active proteins for functional and structural studies, antibody production, and sequence analysis.

• As an initial purification step, the Rotofor separates proteins of interest from bulk contaminants in crude samples; in such cases, optimal results are achieved when purification in the Rotofor is paired with analysis of the samples and fractions using Bio-Rad's precast IEF gels for preliminary pI determination
• Selected fractions from an initial run may be collected, pooled, and refractionated, resulting in up to 1,000-fold purification
• Rotofor fractions may be easily subjected to further purification by gel electrophoresis, chromatography, and other methods
• As a final purification step, the Rotofor eliminates specific contaminants that might be difficult to remove by other means

The barocycler is an automated instrument capable of processing six samples simultaneously (two pressure chambers holding three samples each). It is equipped with a chiller to control temperature during the PCT ®  process. The entire process is computer controlled to provide reproducible and precise pressure cycling conditions. Data related to the number, duration and intensity of pressure cycles and other key parameters are recorded automatically and can be downloaded.

Pressure Cycling Technology
A patented technology that uses repeated cycles of high and ambient pressure to control molecular interactions.

The PCT Sample Preparation System
The system subjects sample to rapid cycles of high and low pressures to efficiently disrupt intracellular and extracellular structures, homogenizing mycobacterium plant tissue, animal tissue and other hard-to-lyse materials. Many samples can be processed in as little as five minutes. The computer-controlled cycles can be customized to enhance the extraction process, maximize yields and provide consistent reproducible results. The disruption is obtained in a manner that is conducive to automated high throughput purification and integration with analytical techniques that involve the use of enzymes and/or chemical reagents.

The PolarisQ is a high quality benchtop ion trap GC/MS system with EI, CI, Negative CI, MS/MS and direct sample probe capability. Proprietary Pulsed Positive Ion/Negative Ion Chemical Ionization (PPINICI) and variable buffer gas options enhance ppb sensitivity and performance in the toughest sample matrices. Used f or quadrupole ion trap GC/MS and GC/MS n analyses, it combines optimized hardware with the powerful Thermo Electron Xcalibur data system to dramatically cut analysis times for identifying unknowns -- even in difficult matrices. Polaris Q features next-generation external ionization technology for outstanding sensitivity and linearity as well as reduced source maintenance requirements.

Adding the power of MS/MS allows the chemist to routinely analyze samples that cannot be tested with other benchtop mass spectrometers. Pesticide and pharmaceutical residues, arson investigation, dioxin contamination, and athletic doping analyses are applications where GC/MS/MS offers substantial selectivity and performance advantages over standard GC/MS. This simultaneous combination of data provides superior quantitation of target analytes and library identification of unknowns. The Polaris Q can combine full-scan MS with the MS/MS mode to give the analyst

• SCL-10A VP System Controller
• LC-10AD Liquid Chromatograph
• DGU-13A Degasser
• ELSD-LT Low Temperature Evaporative Light Scattering Detector
• SPD-10A High Sensitivity UV- Vis Detector
• RF-10AXL Fluorescence Detector
• FRC-10A Fraction Collector