Advancements and Emerging Techniques in Mass Spectrometry: A Comprehensive Review

Mass spectrometry (MS) stands at the forefront of the analytical sciences, offering unparalleled sensitivity and precision for the identification and quantification of a wide array of compounds. From its foundational role in chemical analysis to its modern applications in proteomics, metabolomics, and environmental monitoring, MS has continually advanced, driven by new technology and methodological innovations. As a powerful tool for elucidating molecular structures, characterizing complex mixtures, and detecting trace levels of substances, MS plays a crucial role in diverse fields such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, polymer analysis, food science, clinical diagnostics, forensics, and environmental science.

Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a cornerstone in modern analytical science, transforming our understanding across diverse fields of clinical and biomedical science and multiple aspects of chemistry and biochemistry. This review delves into the transformative advances and applications of MS, highlighting its critical roles in several domains. In proteomics, MS enables detailed analysis of protein expression, modifications, and interactions, providing insights into biological processes and disease mechanisms. Metabolomics leverages this technology to profile metabolites in biological samples, uncovering metabolic changes and identifying biomarkers for various diseases. Lipidomics investigates lipid profiles, elucidating their roles in cellular functions, disease states, and drug development. In pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism, MS is pivotal for studying drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, thereby optimizing drug efficacy and safety. Environmental analysis utilizes MS for detecting pollutants and contaminants in air, water, and soil. Forensic toxicology benefits from its ability to identify toxins, drugs, and poisons in biological samples, aiding legal and investigative efforts. Clinical diagnostics are advanced through the development and validation of tests based on biomarker discovery. In food safety and quality, MS ensures compliance by analyzing food products for contaminants and authenticity. Space exploration utilizes this technology to analyze extraterrestrial samples for organic compounds and potential biosignatures. Lastly, single-cell analysis with MS characterizes the molecular profiles of individual cells, offering insights into cellular heterogeneity and disease mechanisms. Through these applications, MS continues to drive innovation and deepen our understanding across multiple scientific and practical domains. In this review, we discuss the various MS technologies, and methods, and touch on several applications (1–5).

In recent years, the landscape of MS has witnessed significant transformation, with emerging techniques and enhancements pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These advancements not only improve the resolution and accuracy of measurements, but they also expand the range of applications and address specific analytical challenges. Staying abreast of these developments is essential for researchers and practitioners aiming to leverage the latest capabilities of MS for their scientific and industrial endeavors.

This review article aims to provide a brief but comprehensive overview of the latest trends and techniques in MS. We explore recent innovations in ionization methods, mass analyzers, and hybrid systems, as well as advancements in data processing and software. The review also highlights front-line applications that showcase the impact of these technologies across various domains. By examining these developments, we hope to offer valuable insights into the current state of MS technology and its future directions.

Traditional Mass Spectrometry Techniques: A Quick Recap

Quadrupole MS

Quadrupole MS is a widely used technique that employs a quadrupole filter to separate ions based on mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio. The quadrupole consists of four parallel rods arranged in a specific configuration, which generates an oscillating electric field. This field allows ions of specific m/z ratios to pass through while filtering out others. By varying the field’s strength, the quadrupole can selectively isolate different ions for detection and identification (6,7).

Quadrupole MS is valued for its versatility and robustness. It is commonly used in quantitative analysis, targeted proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, forensics, and environmental monitoring. Its ability to perform multiple stages of mass analysis (for example, in tandem quadrupole systems) enhances its application in complex mixture analysis and structural elucidation (6,7).

Time-of-Flight (TOF) MS

Time-of-Flight (TOF) MS is a technique that measures the time it takes for specific ions to travel through a flight tube to reach the mass detector. After being ionized, ions are accelerated by an electric field, and their time of flight is proportional to their m/z ratio. Lighter ions reach the detector faster than heavier ones, allowing for their separation and identification (8,9).

TOF MS is renowned for its high-resolution and rapid analysis capabilities. It is often employed in applications where accurate mass determination is crucial, such as in proteomics for peptide mass fingerprinting, in polymer analysis, clinical analysis, and in identifying many types of complex mixtures. Recent advancements in TOF technology, such as the implementation of reflectron configurations, have further improved its resolution and mass accuracy. TOF MS is used for both molecular analysis as well as atomic analysis (8,9).

Ion Trap MS

Ion Trap MS utilizes a trapping field to confine ions in a three-dimensional (3D) space, allowing for their manipulation and analysis. Various types of ion traps exist, including the quadrupole ion trap, the ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) trap, and the linear ion trap. These devices work by applying electric or magnetic fields to trap ions having specific m/z ratios, which can then be sequentially ejected and detected (10,11).

Ion trap MS is particularly valuable for its capability to perform multi-stage mass spectrometry (MSⁿ), where multiple stages of fragmentation provide detailed structural information about analytes. It is widely used in complex sample analysis, such as in proteomics for peptide sequencing, in environmental analysis for detecting trace contaminants, and in material science for structural elucidation of complex organic compounds. The flexibility of ion traps in performing tandem MS experiments makes them indispensable tools in the field (10,11).

Advancements in Ionization Techniques

Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Enhancements

Electrospray ionization (ESI) has seen significant advancements, particularly with the development of nano-electrospray ionization (nano-ESI). Nano-ESI involves the use of extremely fine capillary needles to produce highly charged droplets from very small sample volumes. This technique enhances sensitivity and resolution by minimizing the amount of sample needed and reducing the background noise associated with larger volumes (12,13).

Nano-ESI is particularly beneficial for analyzing low-abundance biomolecules and complex mixtures, where its high sensitivity allows for the detection of trace analytes that might otherwise be undetected. ESI also improves resolution by reducing ion clustering and enabling better separation of ions based on their m/z ratios. This enhancement has proven valuable in fields such as proteomics, where precise quantification and detection of peptides and proteins are crucial (12,13).

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) Innovations

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) has undergone several innovations aimed at improving spatial resolution and quantification. Recent advancements include the development of new matrix materials and techniques that enhance the ionization efficiency for specific analytes. For example, novel matrices with improved ultraviolet (UV) absorption properties have been introduced, leading to better ionization and reduced matrix-related noise (14,15).

Technological improvements in MALDI instrumentation, such as higher-resolution mass analyzers and advanced imaging techniques, have significantly enhanced spatial resolution. These developments allow for more detailed and accurate analysis of biological tissues and complex samples. MALDI imaging, for example, enables researchers to visualize the distribution of metabolites, proteins, and lipids within tissue sections, providing insights into spatially resolved molecular information (14,15).

Ambient Ionization Techniques

Ambient ionization techniques, including desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) and direct analysis in real time (DART), represent a significant leap forward in MS. DESI involves spraying charged solvent droplets onto a sample surface, leading to the desorption and ionization of analytes for immediate analysis. This technique allows for rapid and direct analysis of solid and liquid samples without the need for extensive sample preparation (16–18).

DART, on the other hand, utilizes a stream of excited atoms or molecules to ionize samples at ambient temperatures and pressures. It offers the advantage of analyzing samples directly from their native state, facilitating rapid and straightforward analysis. Both DESI and DART have expanded the range of applications for MS, including on-site analysis in forensic investigations, environmental monitoring, and quality control in manufacturing processes. These ambient ionization techniques provide quick, reliable, and non-destructive methods for analyzing complex samples (18).

Novel Mass Analyzers

Orbitrap (Orbital Ion Trap) MS

Orbitrap MS has emerged as a leading technique for high-resolution mass analysis. The Orbitrap analyzer utilizes an electrostatic field to trap ions in an orbiting motion around a central electrode. The frequency of this motion is directly related to the ion’s m/z ratio, enabling highly accurate mass measurements (19).

Recent advancements in Orbitrap technology have significantly improved its resolution and sensitivity. Modern Orbitrap instruments can achieve incredibly high mass resolution (>100 000) at m/z 35 000, making them particularly useful for detailed molecular characterization and the analysis of extremely complex biological samples. This high resolution is invaluable in proteomics, metabolomics, and structural biology, where precise mass measurements and high specificity are essential for identifying and quantifying compounds in complex mixtures (19).

Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) MS

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) MS is renowned for its exceptional mass resolution and accuracy. FT-ICR MS works by trapping ions in a magnetic field and measuring their cyclotron motion using an oscillating electric field. The Fourier transform of this signal provides high-resolution mass spectra with unparalleled accuracy (20).

Recent innovations in FT-ICR technology have enhanced its capability for ultrahigh resolution and complex mixture analysis. These advancements include improved magnetic field strengths and more sensitive detectors, which enable the analysis of complex samples with greater precision. FT-ICR MS is now widely used in fields such as proteomics and metabolomics where it facilitates the identification and characterization of complex peptide and protein mixtures, and in environmental analysis, where it helps in the detailed study of organic compounds (20).

Multi-Reflecting TOF (MR-TOF)

Multi-reflecting time-of-flight (MR-TOF) MS represents a significant advancement in TOF technology. MR-TOF utilizes multiple reflection stages within a flight tube to extend the pathlength of ions, thereby improving mass resolution and accuracy. This technique allows for longer flight times without increasing the physical size of the instrument, enhancing both speed and resolution (21).

Recent developments in MR-TOF technology have further increased its performance, with advancements in detector technology and ion optics leading to faster data acquisition and better mass resolution. MR-TOF is particularly advantageous for applications requiring high-resolution and high-throughput analysis, such as in high-precision chemical and pharmaceutical analyses, where rapid and accurate measurement of mass is critical (21).

Hybrid and Tandem MS Techniques

Quadrupole-Orbitrap and Quadrupole-TOF Hybrids

Hybrid MS systems, such as quadrupole-Orbitrap and quadrupole-TOF configurations, combine the strengths of different mass analyzers to achieve superior sensitivity and mass accuracy. The quadrupole-orbitrap hybrid integrates a quadrupole mass filter with an Orbitrap analyzer. This combination allows for the selection of specific ions with the quadrupole and subsequent high-resolution analysis with the Orbitrap. This setup enhances sensitivity for detecting low-abundance compounds and provides precise mass measurements, making it ideal for complex sample analysis in fields like proteomics and metabolomics (22).

Similarly, the quadrupole-TOF hybrid system merges the capabilities of a quadrupole for ion selection and a time-of-flight analyzer for high-speed, high-resolution measurements. This configuration benefits from the high resolution and broad mass range of TOF MS while maintaining the ability to selectively isolate ions with the quadrupole. These hybrid systems are particularly useful in comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analyses, enabling detailed profiling of complex biomixtures and accurate determination of analyte concentrations (22).

Triple Quadrupole MS (QqQ)

Triple quadrupole MS (QqQ) systems are designed for advanced quantitative analysis and targeted proteomics. In a QqQ setup, two quadrupole analyzers are used in tandem with a collision cell in between. The first quadrupole (Q1) isolates ions of interest, which then enter the collision cell where they are fragmented. The second quadrupole (Q3) analyzes the resulting fragments to provide detailed information about the analyte. The collision cell is designated as (Q2) (23).

The QqQ configuration excels in quantitative analysis because of its ability to perform multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), where specific ion transitions are monitored to measure concentrations with high precision. This technique is widely used in targeted proteomics for protein quantification and in clinical research for monitoring biomarker levels. The high sensitivity and specificity of QqQ make it a powerful tool for reliable and reproducible quantitation in complex biological and environmental samples (23).

MS/MS and MSⁿ Approaches

MS/MS (MS², tandem mass spectrometry) and MSⁿ (multiple stages of mass spectrometry) approaches involve the sequential fragmentation and analysis of ions to gain detailed structural information. In MS/MS, an initial MS stage selects precursor ions, which are then fragmented in a collision cell. The resulting fragment ions are analyzed in a second MS stage, providing insights into the molecular structure and composition of the analyte (24,25).

MSⁿ extends this principle by performing multiple stages of fragmentation, allowing for even more detailed structural characterization. These approaches are particularly valuable in metabolomics, where they enable the comprehensive analysis of metabolic pathways and the identification of complex metabolites. By providing detailed structural data, MS² and MSⁿ techniques enhance our understanding of molecular interactions and transformations, facilitating deeper insights into biochemical processes and the molecular basis of disease mechanisms (24,25).

Advances in Data Processing and Software

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in MS Data Analysis

The integration of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) into MS data analysis is transforming the field by offering advanced tools for data interpretation and pattern recognition. Emerging trends in this technology include the application of neural networks, deep learning algorithms, and other AI techniques to analyze complex MS data. These methods can identify patterns and correlations that may not be apparent through traditional data interpretation and analysis, enhancing the ability to detect subtle differences in sample composition and improving the accuracy of quantitative measurements (26,27).

AI-driven approaches are particularly beneficial for tasks such as peak detection, data deconvolution, and metabolite identification. By automating these processes, ML and AI can reduce the time required for data analysis and minimize human error. These advancements are driving significant improvements in the speed and reliability of MS data analysis, making it possible to handle larger datasets and uncover insights that were previously difficult to achieve (26,27).

Automated Peak Identification and Quantification

Recent innovations in software tools have greatly enhanced the automation of peak identification and quantification in MS. Advanced algorithms and software solutions now offer more accurate and efficient methods for detecting and quantifying peaks in complex mass spectra. Tools that leverage advanced signal processing techniques and statistical models can automatically identify peaks, correct for baseline variations, and quantify analyte concentrations with high precision (28).

These automated systems not only streamline the data analysis process but also improve reproducibility and consistency across different analyses. They are particularly useful in high-throughput settings, such as in large-scale proteomics and metabolomics studies, where manual peak detection and quantification would be time-consuming and prone to error. The continued development of these tools promises further enhancements in accuracy and efficiency, supporting more robust and scalable analytical workflows (28).

Big Data Handling and Cloud-Based Solutions

As MS continues to generate increasingly large datasets, effective big data handling and cloud-based solutions have become critical. Modern MS experiments often produce vast amounts of data that require significant storage capacity and processing power. Cloud-based platforms offer scalable solutions for data storage, processing, and sharing, enabling researchers to manage and analyze large datasets more efficiently (29).

Cloud-based solutions facilitate collaborative research by allowing multiple users to access and analyze data from different locations. They also provide powerful computational resources that can handle complex data processing tasks, such as advanced statistical analyses and large-scale data integration. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, including ensuring data security, managing data privacy, and addressing the need for high-speed data transfer. Ongoing developments in cloud computing and big data analytics are expected to address these challenges, further enhancing the capability to handle and derive insights from large-scale MS data sets (29).

Applications in Cutting-Edge Research

Proteomics

MS has become a cornerstone of proteomics, enabling breakthroughs in protein identification and quantification that are crucial for understanding biological processes and disease mechanisms. Recent advancements in MS techniques, such as high-resolution Orbitrap and tandem MS, have significantly enhanced the ability to analyze complex protein mixtures. These techniques allow for the precise identification of proteins and their post-translational modifications, which play critical roles in cellular functions (30).

The development of label-free quantification methods and advanced data analysis algorithms has further improved the accuracy and sensitivity of protein measurements. As a result, researchers can now analyze proteomes with greater depth and detail, uncovering previously hidden biological insights. This progress is driving significant advances in areas such as biomarker discovery, drug development, and personalized medicine, where understanding the proteomic landscape is essential for therapeutic strategies (30).

Metabolomics and Lipidomics

In the fields of metabolomics and lipidomics, MS has provided new insights into the complex metabolic pathways that govern cellular functions. Advanced MS techniques enable the comprehensive profiling of metabolites and lipids, allowing researchers to identify biomarkers associated with various physiological and pathological states. High-resolution MS, coupled with powerful data processing tools, facilitates the detection of low-abundance metabolites and the analysis of complex biological samples (31).

These advancements have led to significant discoveries in areas such as cancer research, where metabolomic analyses reveal alterations in metabolic pathways that can inform therapeutic approaches. Similarly, lipidomics research has led to discoveries of the role of lipids in health and disease, contributing to our understanding of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders. The ability to analyze metabolic and lipid profiles in detail has opened new avenues for research and clinical applications, making MS an essential tool in medical research (31).

Environmental and Food Safety Analysis

MS plays a vital role in environmental and food safety analysis by enabling the detection of contaminants and trace compounds with high sensitivity and specificity. Advanced MS techniques are employed to monitor pollutants, pesticides, and toxins in various matrices, including water, soil, and food products. The ability to analyze complex samples without extensive sample preparation is a significant advantage of modern MS (32).

Recent developments in ambient ionization techniques, such as DESI and DART, allow for rapid on-site analysis, making it easier to assess environmental contamination and food safety in real-time. These capabilities are critical for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and safeguarding public health. As concerns over environmental pollution and food safety continue to grow, the application of MS in these areas is likely to expand, driving innovations in detection methods and improving our ability to monitor and respond to potential hazards (32).

Challenges and Future Directions

Technological Limitations

Despite significant advancements, MS faces several technological limitations that impact sensitivity, accuracy, and speed. Sensitivity remains a critical challenge, especially for the analysis of trace components in complex matrices. Improvements in ionization techniques and mass analyzers have helped, but there is ongoing need for further enhancements to detect lower abundance analytes reliably. Accuracy is another concern, with challenges related to ion suppression, matrix effects, and calibration drift potentially affecting measurement precision.

Speed is crucial in high-throughput settings, where rapid data acquisition and analysis are required. While technological improvements have increased the pace of MS analysis, there is a continuous need to balance speed with resolution and accuracy. Addressing these limitations is essential for expanding the applicability of MS in various research and industrial fields.

Integration with Other Analytical Techniques

Integrating MS with other analytical techniques holds great promise for enhancing multidimensional analysis. Combining MS with techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, chromatography, and imaging methods can provide a more comprehensive understanding of complex samples. For example, coupling MS with chromatographic techniques improves separation and identification, while integration with NMR can offer complementary structural information.

This multidimensional approach allows for more detailed and accurate analyses, facilitating the study of complex biological systems, environmental samples, and industrial products. The development of integrated systems and data fusion techniques will likely continue to enhance the capabilities of MS, enabling more holistic and precise analyses across various disciplines.

Future Trends in MS Development

The future of MS is poised for exciting developments, with anticipated innovations expected to address current challenges and open new avenues for research. Advances in miniaturization and portable MS devices are likely to make high-performance analysis more accessible in field and clinical settings. Enhanced resolution and sensitivity through novel mass analyzers and improved ionization techniques will push the boundaries of what can be detected and quantified (33).

Emerging trends include the integration of AI and ML with MS for automated data interpretation and predictive analytics. These innovations promise to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data analysis, making it possible to handle larger datasets and uncover more subtle patterns. Additionally, advances in software and computational tools will continue to drive progress in data processing and interpretation, further expanding the scope and impact of MS. As these trends unfold, they will likely transform the landscape of analytical science, offering new opportunities and applications for MS (33).

Conclusion

In this review, we have explored the key advancements in MS that are shaping the current landscape of analytical science. We discussed the evolution of ionization techniques, including enhancements in ESI and MALDI, as well as the rise of ambient ionization methods like DESI and DART. We also examined novel mass analyzers such as Orbitrap, FT-ICR, and MR-TOF, highlighting their contributions to improving resolution, sensitivity, and speed.

The review covered the integration of hybrid and tandem MS techniques, which combine the strengths of various mass analyzers to achieve enhanced analytical performance. Additionally, we explored recent advances in data processing and software, including the application of machine learning and AI, automated peak identification, and cloud-based solutions for handling big data. Finally, we highlighted cutting-edge applications in proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, environmental analysis, and food safety.

Looking ahead, the future of MS research and applications appears promising. Continued innovation in MS technology is expected to overcome current limitations in sensitivity, accuracy, and speed. The integration of MS with other analytical techniques and advancements in data analysis tools will further expand the capabilities of MS, enabling more detailed and comprehensive analyses.

To fully realize these potential advancements, further research and development are needed in several key areas. These include improving ionization techniques for better sensitivity, enhancing data processing algorithms for more accurate and efficient analysis, and developing new mass analyzers with higher resolution and faster data acquisition. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for advancing the field of MS and expanding its applications across diverse scientific and industrial domains.

References

(1) Wesdemiotis, C.; Williams‐Pavlantos, K. N.; Keating, A. R.; McGee, A. S.; Bochenek, C. Mass Spectrometry of Polymers: A Tutorial Review. Mass Spectrom. Rev. 2024, 43 (3), 427–476. DOI: 10.1002/mas.21844

(2) Nwachukwu, S. C.; Edo, G. I.; Jikah, A. N. et al. Recent Advances in the Role of Mass Spectrometry in the Analysis of Food: A Review. J. Food Meas. Charact.2024, 18, 4272–4287. DOI: 10.1007/s11694-024-02492-z

(3) Ma, X.; Fernández, F. M. Advances in Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Spatial Cancer Metabolomics. Mass Spectrom. Rev. 2024, 43 (2), 235–268. DOI: 10.1002/mas.21804

(4) Khalikova, M.; Jireš, J.; Horáček, O.; Douša, M.; Kučera, R.; Nováková, L. What is the Role of Current Mass Spectrometry in Pharmaceutical Analysis? Mass Spectrom. Rev. 2024, 43 (3), 560–609. DOI: 10.1002/mas.21858

(5) Beck, A. G.; Muhoberac, M.; Randolph, C. E.; Beveridge, C. H.; Wijewardhane, P. R.; Kenttämaa, H. I.; Chopra, G. Recent Developments in Machine Learning for Mass Spectrometry. ACS Meas. Sci. Au 2024, 4 (3), 233–246. DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.3c00060

(6) Frinculescu, A.; Mercer, B.; Shine, T.; Ramsey, J.; Couchman, L.; Douce, D.; Frascione, N.; Abbate, V. Assessment of a Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer Combined with an Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe for the On-Site Identification of Amnesty Bin Drugs. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 2024, 35 (7), 1480–1489. DOI: 10.1021/jasms.4c00064

(7) Plubell, D. L.; Huang, E.; Spencer, S. E.; Poston, K.; Montine, T.; MacCoss, M. J. Data Independent Acquisition to Inform the Development of Targeted Proteomics Assays Using a Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer. bioRxiv 2024, 2024-05. DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596554

(8) Gundlach-Graham, A.; Harycki, S.; Szakas, S. E.; Taylor, T. L.; Karkee, H.; Buckman, R. L.; Mukta, S.; Hu, R.; Lee, W. Introducing “Time-of-Flight Single Particle Investigator”(TOF-SPI): A Tool for Quantitative spICP-TOFMS Data Analysis. J. Anal. At. Spectrom. 2024, 39, 704–711. DOI: 10.1039/D3JA00421J

(9) Zhang, M.; Zhang, H.; Yan, B.; Ren, M.; Wang, W.; Zhang, T. Diagnostic Performance of Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for Pulmonary Tuberculosis in HIV-infected Patients. J. Clin. Tuberc. Other Mycobact Dis. 2024, 36, 100459. DOI:10.1016/j.jctube.2024.100459

(10) Huo, X.; Gan, L.; Ding, X.; Yu, Q.; Zhou, B.; Zhou, J.; Qian, X. A Simple Numerical Simulation Model Can Elucidate the Key Factors for Designing a Miniaturized Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer. Anal. Chim. Acta 2024, 1318, 342943. DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342943

(11) Remes, P. M.; Jacob, C. C.; Heil, L. R.; Shulman, N.; MacLean, B. X.; MacCoss, M. J. Hybrid Quadrupole Mass Filter Radial Ejection Linear Ion Trap and Intelligent Data Acquisition Enable Highly Multiplex Targeted Proteomics. bioRxiv 2024, 2024–05. DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596848

(12) Chua, Z. Q.; Prabhu, G .R. D.; Wang, Y. W.; Raju, C. M.; Buchowiecki, K.; Ochirov, O.; Elpa, D. P.; Urban, P.L. Moderate Signal Enhancement in Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry by Focusing Electrospray Plume with a Dielectric Layer around the Mass Spectrometer’s Orifice. Molecules 2024, 29 (2), 316. DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020316

(13) Hsu, P. C.; Urban, P. L. Electric Field-Modulated Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Quantity Calibration and Mass Tracking. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 2024, May 24. DOI: 10.1021/jasms.4c00091

(14) Amin, M. O.; Al-Hetlani, E. Matrix- and Surface-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization–Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Fingermark Components for Forensic Studies: Current Trends and Future Prospects. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 2024, 416, 3751–3764. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05297-7

(15) Fissel, J. A. Enter the Matrix: An Update on MALDI-ToF MS Advancements Through 2024. Clin. Microbiol. Newsl. 2024, 46, 22–26. DOI: 10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2024.05.001

(16) Venter, A. R. Protein Analysis by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Mass Spectrom. Rev. 2024, 26 July. DOI 10.1002/mas.21900

(17) Jiang, L. X.; Hilger, R. T.; Laskin, J. Hardware and Software Solutions for Implementing Nanospray Desorption Electrospray Ionization (nano‐DESI) Sources on Commercial Mass Spectrometers. J. Mass Spectrom. 2024, 59 (7), e5065. DOI: 10.1002/jms.5065

(18) Wang, Y. Recent Advances in the Application of Direct Analysis in Real Time-Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) in Food Analysis. Food Res Int. 2024, 188, July 2024, 114488. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114488

(19) Xu, T.; Wang, Q.; Wang, Q.; Sun, L. Mass Spectrometry-intensive Top-down Proteomics: An Update on Technology Advancements and Biomedical Applications. Anal. Methods 2024, 16, 4664–4682. DOI: 10.1039/D4AY00651H

(20) Cochran, D.; Powers, R. Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry Applications for Metabolomics. Biomedicines 2024, 12 (8), 1786. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081786

(21) Cooper-Shepherd, D. A.; Wildgoose, J.; Kozlov, B.; Johnson, W. J.; et al. Novel Hybrid Quadrupole-Multireflecting Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry System. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 2023, 34 (2), 264–272. DOI: 10.1021/jasms.2c00281

(22) Qu, H.; Wang, J.; Yao, C.; Wei, X. Wu, Y.; et al. Enhanced Profiling and Quantification of Ginsenosides from Mountain-cultivated Ginseng and Comparison with Garden-cultivated Ginseng. J. Chromatogr. A 2023, 1692, 463826. DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463826

(23) Maráková, K.; Renner, B. J.; Thomas, S. L.; Opetová, M.; Tomašovský, R.; Rai, A. J.; Schug, K. A. Solid-Phase Extraction as Sample Pretreatment Method for Top-down Quantitative Analysis of Low Molecular Weight Proteins from Biological Samples Using Liquid Chromatography–Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry. Anal. Chim. Acta 2023, 1243, 340801. DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.340801

(24) Mata, J. M.; van der Nol, E.; Pomplun, S. J. Advances in Ultrahigh Throughput Hit Discovery with Tandem Mass Spectrometry-encoded Libraries. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2023, 145 (34), 19129–19139. DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04899

(25) AlKhalil, A. F. Application of High-resolution Mass Spectrometry with MSn Fragmentation in the Elucidation of Double Bond Positions in Fatty Acids following Formation of Hydroperoxides and Hydroxides, and Application of Derivatisation for Improved Sensitivity in Fatty Acid Analysis. 2023 University of Strathclyde, UK, Doctoral Thesis. https://stax.strath.ac.uk/concern/theses/47429977b (accessed 2024-08-13).

(26) Beck, A. G.; Muhoberac, M.; Randolph, C. E.; Beveridge, C. H.; Wijewardhane, P. R.; Kenttämaa, H. I.; Chopra, G. Recent Developments in Machine Learning for Mass Spectrometry. ACS Meas. Sci. Au 2024, 4, (3), 233–246. DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.3c00060

(27) Dens, C.; Adams, C.; Laukens, K.; Bittremieux, W. Machine Learning Strategies to Tackle Data Challenges in Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom.2024, Published July 29. DOI: 10.1021/jasms.4c00180

(28) Yang, C.; Hsiao, Y. C.; Lee, C. C.; Yu, J. S. Systematic Evaluation of Chromatographic Peak Quality for Targeted Mass Spectrometry via Variational Autoencoder. Anal. Chem.2024, 96, (7), 2849–2856. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03686

(29) Hu, Y.; Schnaubelt, M.; Chen, L.; Zhang, B.; Hoang, T.; et al. MS-PyCloud: A Cloud Computing-Based Pipeline for Proteomic and Glycoproteomic Data Analyses. Anal. Chem. 2024, 96, (25), 10145–10151. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01497

(30) Tan, Y. C.; Low, T. Y.; Lee, P. Y.; Lim, L. C. Single‐cell Proteomics by Mass Spectrometry: Advances and Implications in Cancer Research. Proteomics 2024, 24 (12-13), 2300210. DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300210

(31) Dai, Q.; Xie, P.; Tan, H.; Zhang, J.; Wang, F.; et al. Metabolomics and Lipidomics with Mass Spectrometry Imaging Reveal Mechanistic Insights into Dibutyl Phthalate-Promoted Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cell Spheroids. Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. 2024, 11 (3), 208–215. DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00048

(32) Nwachukwu, S. C.; Edo, G. I.; Jikah, A. N.; et al. Recent Advances in the Role of Mass Spectrometry in the Analysis of Food: A Review. J. Food Meas. Charact. 2024, 18, 4272–4287. DOI: 10.1007/s11694-024-02492-z

(33) Ghafari, N.; Sleno, L. Challenges and Recent Advances in Quantitative Mass Spectrometry‐based Metabolomics. Anal. Sci. Adv. 2024, 5 (5-6), e2400007. DOI: 10.1002/ansa.202400007

About the Column Editor

Jerome Workman, Jr. serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Spectroscopy and is the Executive Editor for LCGC and Spectroscopy. He is the co-host of the Analytically Speaking podcast and has published multiple reference text volumes, including the three-volume Academic Press Handbook of Organic Compounds, the five-volume The Concise Handbook of Analytical Spectroscopy, the 2nd edition of Practical Guide and Spectral Atlas for Interpretive Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, the 2nd edition of Chemometrics in Spectroscopy, and the 4th edition of The Handbook of Near-Infrared Analysis.

jworkman@mjhlifesciences.com