Analyzing Molecules with Ease: Making Advanced Mass Spectrometry Accessible to All

In a groundbreaking move, several leading companies have joined forces to improve targeted cancer therapy and immuno-oncology research. This partnership will see the integration of cutting-edge mass spectrometry (MS) technology in various aspects of the research process.

At the heart of this collaboration is Thermo Fisher Scientific's Orbitrap Astral MS, a powerful instrument that has been utilised in over 320 research articles. The Orbitrap Astral Zoom, a newer variant, boasts an even faster ion processor, increasing the scan rate from 200 to 270 hertz, thereby speeding up analysis time.

One of the key areas where the Orbitrap Astral Zoom will be employed is in the separation and analysis of complex protein-digested mixtures. For instance, 2D-LC will be essential in the partnership to improve separation efficiency, particularly when dealing with highly complex TPD mixtures or co-eluting species.

The success of PMAP (Proteomics-based Molecular Profiling Approach) is heavily dependent on the first protein-digestion step. Lonza's processes and tools enable high-throughput analysis of targeted PTMs (Post-Translational Modifications) in early-stage development. Lonza scientists have developed a toolbox of protease digestion protocols to support efficient and product-specific digestion conditions for new molecular formats (NMFs).

To tackle the low-throughput nature of traditional PMAP methods, Lonza has developed high-throughput, multi-attribute monitoring (MAM) PMAP workflows for targeted PTM analysis. High-resolution LC-MS/MS will also be used for impurity profiling in the partnership, enabling the detection and characterization of low-abundance impurities and degradation products.

The partnership will not only focus on the analysis of proteins but also on the characterization of intact proteins and conjugates. Techniques such as label-free quantification or isobaric tagging, and targeted proteomics using triple quadrupole instruments will be used for this purpose.

SISCAPA (Stable Isotope Standard Capture with Anti-Peptide Antibodies) is collaborating with Biognosys to offer an end-to-end solution for pharma partners to move from biomarker discovery to the development of validated, super-sensitive targeted assays. SISCAPA's technology selectively enriches protein-specific target peptides from complex digested biological matrices, effectively eliminating non-specific background and delivering highly purified peptides.

In addition to the Orbitrap Astral Zoom, MS is being used to study per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are long-lasting chemicals that can now be found in almost any sample collected from any place in the world.

A preprint titled "Evaluation of an Orbitrap Astral Zoom mass spectrometer prototype for quantitative proteomics - Beyond identification lists" was posted online on May 31, 2025 (Reference 1). The Orbitrap Astral Zoom produces narrower CV distributions and lower median CVs than the Orbitrap Astral MS, ensuring consistent sensitivity.

The partnership aims to push the boundaries of what is achievable in the field of targeted cancer therapy and immuno-oncology research, demonstrating the power of collaboration and advanced technology in driving scientific progress.

References: 1. Evaluation of an Orbitrap Astral Zoom mass spectrometer prototype for quantitative proteomics - Beyond identification lists. Preprint posted online on May 31, 2025. URL: [Insert URL here]

Analyzing Molecules with Ease: Making Advanced Mass Spectrometry Accessible to All