Ricerc@Sapienza

Nowadays, mass-spectrometry-based methods are continuing to make major contributions to the discovery of fundamental biological processes due to requirements of high sensitivity, selectivity and capability to identify and measure hundreds of compounds simultaneously. Nevertheless, problems related to small amount/volume of biological samples as well as interfering compounds co-extracted with target analytes make it difficult to sort out controversial matter whose resolution is crucial for understanding specific questions. Some of the technical approaches that were at an experimental stage back then are considered the golden standard today, but many questions have still remained unsolved due to the need of further analytical advancements. Ion mobility mass spectrometry is an appealing solution which offers exclusive advantages such as an extra separation dimension, indispensable for the distinction of isomers and isobars compounds, and chemical noise reduction, essential to improve sensitivity. On a hybrid quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer ¿ the top of technology regarding reliability of qualitative screening and quantitative analysis, Sciex has developed the SelexION Technology, consisting in a compact device integrated in the ion source region, named ¿differential mobility separation¿ (DMS) cell. This instrumental platform permitting an important advancement of the analytical potentials in the life sciences sector allowing to open new ways to more and more complex analysis. The main research program concerns the polifunctional application of the required instrumentation to the study of ultra micro concentration of specific markers in the fields of neonatology, oncology and ophthalmology.