Best of the Week: Advancements in MS, Bone Protein Analysis, and Technology Trends

This week, LCGC International published a variety of articles on the hottest topics in chromatography. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers. Happy reading!

Advancements and Emerging Techniques in Mass Spectrometry: A Comprehensive Review

Jerome Workman Jr.

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.This review delves into the transformative advances and applications of MS, highlighting its critical roles in several domains.

Advances in Spatial Biology using TIMS-TOF MS

Manuel Bauer, Pascal Steffen-Lockhauserbäumer, Jan H. Kobarg

Spatial biology investigates cellular arrangements within tissues, providing insights into biological function and disease. The emergence of trapped ion mobility spectrometry-time of flight (TIMS-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has advanced this field by enabling the analysis of individual cells and subcellular compartments with unprecedented sensitivity. Unlike traditional MS, TIMS-TOF MS can extract detailed molecular information from tissues and organelles. Many research groups suggest that this approach might eventually make the step from a research application into clinical practice—as a standardized workflow that proves the utility of translating research workflows into clinical application. This article illustrates the potential of these developments by summarizing recent published work from a series of expert groups.

Analyzing Bone Proteins in Forensic Laboratories Using LC−MS/MS

John Chasse

The application of proteomic analysis in the study of forensic skeletal remains has gained significant interest in improving biological and chronological estimations in medico-legal investigations. It is crucial to maximize throughput and proteome recovery to enhance the applicability of these analyses to forensic casework, while at the same time minimizing interoperator variability and laboratory-induced post-translational protein modifications (PTMs). A recent study compared different workflows for extracting, purifying, and analyzing bone proteins using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), including an in-StageTip protocol previously optimized for forensic applications, and two protocols using novel suspension-trap technology (S-Trap) and different lysis solutions. LCGC International discussed this work with Noemi Procopio of the School of Law and Policing and the Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic Taphonomy at the University of Central Lancashire (UK), corresponding author of the paper that resulted from this study.

Technology Trends In Separation Science

Caroline Hroncich, Patrick Lavery

In this article, LCGC International spoke with various experts from chromatography technology compaies about key trends and developments in different practices within the separation science sector. These involve evolutions related to liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, data handling, and more.

Mentorship in Science: Insights from FeMS Empowerment Award Winner Faith Johnson

Aaron Acevedo

Each quarter, the group Females in Mass Spectrometry (FeMS) presents empowerment awards to members that demonstrate excellence both in their work and their support of women in science. FeMS is a community-led group that has developed a network of support for women working in mass spectrometry. For years, FeMS has supported events all over the world where women in mass spectrometry can gather and discuss their findings and career experiences. This quarter, FeMS presented Empowerment Awards to five women, including Faith Johnson of ECOLAB, who joined FeMS in June 2024. LCGC International recently sat down with Johnson to discuss her career in climate science, how mass spectrometry relates to her field, the award, and her work with FeMS.