AUTHOR=Li Chang , Chu Shiying , Tan Siyuan , Yin Xinchi , Jiang You , Dai Xinhua , Gong Xiaoyun , Fang Xiang , Tian Di TITLE=Towards Higher Sensitivity of Mass Spectrometry: A Perspective From the Mass Analyzers JOURNAL=Frontiers in Chemistry VOLUME=9 YEAR=2021 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2021.813359 DOI=10.3389/fchem.2021.813359 ISSN=2296-2646 ABSTRACT=

Mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the most widely used analytical techniques in many fields. Recent developments in chemical and biological researches have drawn much attention to the measurement of substances with low abundances in samples. Continuous efforts have been made consequently to further improve the sensitivity of MS. Modifications on the mass analyzers of mass spectrometers offer a direct, universal and practical way to obtain higher sensitivity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in mass analyzers for the improvement of mass spectrometers’ sensitivity, including quadrupole, ion trap, time-of-flight (TOF) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron (FT-ICR), as well as different combinations of these mass analyzers. The advantages and limitations of different mass analyzers and their combinations are compared and discussed. This review provides guidance to the selection of suitable mass spectrometers in chemical and biological analytical applications. It is also beneficial to the development of novel mass spectrometers.