title: Improved sensitivity and mass range in time-of-flight bioaerosol mass spectrometry using an electrostatic ion guide.
abstract: Bioearosol mass spectrometry (BAMS) analyzes single particles in real time from ambient air, placing strict demands on instrument sensitivity. Modeling of the BAMS reflectron time of flight (TOF) with SIMION revealed design limitations associated with ion transmission and instrument sensitivity at higher masses. Design and implementation of a BAMS linear TOF with electrostatic ion guide and delayed extraction capabilities has greatly increased the sensitivity and mass range relative to the reflectron design. Initial experimental assessment of the new instrument design revealed improved sensitivity at high masses as illustrated when using standard particles of cytochrome C (m/z approximately 12,000), from which the compound's monomer, dimer (m/z approximately 24,000) and trimer (m/z approximately 36,000) were readily detected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
authors.forename: Gregg A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Czerwieniec
authors.forename: Scott C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Carlito B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Lebrilla
authors.forename: Keith R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Coffee
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Riot
authors.forename: Paul T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Steele
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: Eric E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Gard
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D000391:Air Microbiology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007477:Ions; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055672:Static Electricity
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D015415:Biomarkers; D007477:Ions