LC-Orbitrap analysis in the laboratory
Do you need an LC-orbitrap analysis?
What is orbitrap mass spectrometry?
Orbitrap mass spectrometry is an ultra-precise analytical technique that measures the exact mass of molecules present in a sample. It is used to identify, characterize, and quantify compounds, even at trace levels.
This technology is based on an "Orbitrap" analyzer capable of providing very high resolution and exceptional mass accuracy, often within a few ppm (parts per million). It is generally coupled upstream with liquid chromatography (LC), hence the name LC-Orbitrap.
Orbitrap LC-MS: an ultra-sensitive technology for identifying complex compounds
Mass spectrometry Orbitrap LC-MS is a cutting-edge technique that combines liquid chromatography (LC) to separate compounds in a sample with an Orbitrap detector offering very high resolution and mass accuracy.
It makes it possible to identify, even at trace levels, unknown or complex substances in a wide range of industrial matrices (formulations, polymers, plant extracts, etc.). Ideal for the detection of impurities, contaminants or migrating substances, this method is particularly valuable for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical and packaging sectors.
analysis performed by LC-Orbitrap
These analytical techniques make it possible to provide the following services:
- High-resolution exact mass measurement (HRMS)
- Molecular formula determination
- Identification of unknown compounds
- Targeted and non-targeted analysis
- Detection of trace-level compounds
- Screening of thousands of compounds in a single analysis
Our solutions: combine mass spectrometry with Orbitrap technology to provide you with reliable and accurate results
Did you know?
The FILAB laboratory is equipped with 2 LC-Orbitraps ✨
This dual instrumentation allows us to adapt analytical performance to the challenges of each project, whether for highly reliable routine analysis or for the most complex characterizations requiring greater resolution and sensitivity.
Why choose FILAB for LC-Orbitrap analysis?
At the FILAB laboratory, we guarantee our clients a precise, reliable, and fully documented analysis, carried out within a rigorous framework.
You benefit from personalized technical and regulatory support, tailored to your sector and your challenges.
Thanks to our comprehensive analytical platform, we have the ability to combine LC-Orbitrap analysiswith other complementary techniques (GC-MS, ICP, SEM, FTIR…), to go further in understanding your issues.
Applications of orbitrap LC-MS analysis
The identification of unknown contaminants (stains, odors, residues on finished products)
The search for by-products or impurities in chemical or pharmaceutical formulations
Untargeted analysis for R&D investigations or advanced quality control
The profiling of complex raw materials of plant or polymer origin
Chemical characterization of DM: why does LC-Orbitrap make the difference?
Read the articleProteomic characterization by LC-Orbitrap
- Protein identification
- Proteomic profiling
- Relative or absolute protein quantification
- Identification of post-translational modifications (PTMs),
- Peptide mapping and sequence confirmation
- Protein stability and degradation studies
Lipidomic characterization by LC-Orbitrap
- Global lipid profiling
- Characterization of phospholipids, triglycerides, sphingolipids, and glycolipids
- Targeted quantification of lipids of interest
- Study of lipid oxidation and degradation
- Comparison of lipid profiles between samples
- Quality control of raw materials and finished products
Metabolomic Characterization by LC-Orbitrap
- Untargeted metabolic profiling
- Identification of known and unknown metabolites
- Metabolic pathway studies
- Targeted quantification of metabolites
- Trace-level small molecule analysis
Glycomic & Biopolymer Characterization by LC-Orbitrap
- Characterization of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides
- Analysis of glycoconjugates
- Identification of sugars and derivatives
- Study of glycosylation modifications
FAQ
The Orbitrap offers better resolution and greater accuracy than conventional mass spectrometers (such as quadrupole or ion trap systems). It is particularly useful for identifying complex molecular structures, distinguishing isomers or resolving very close masses in complex matrices.
Any type of organic matrix: powders, liquids, polymers, plant extracts, thin films, solutions, cosmetics, etc.
It is particularly well suited to complex or multi-component samples, even in small quantities.
Yes, semi-quantitative or relative quantification is possible, especially for complex mixtures or screening. For precise regulatory assays, it can be combined with other approaches (LC-MS/MS).
Thanks to its high resolution, LC-Orbitrap is ideal for identifying unknown or unlisted organic compounds responsible for odors, discoloration or visual defects. It makes it possible to analyze traces in complex matrices (cosmetics, polymers, formulations…).
It makes it possible to detect trace-level impurities, including non-targeted ones, often invisible in conventional LC-MS.
This is useful during pharmaceutical development, supplier qualification, or when process changes are introduced.
Non-targeted analysis with LC-Orbitrap makes it possible to propose a molecular formula from a signal and to partially or fully elucidate the structure of a compound using MS/MS fragmentation and internal or external databases.
LC-Orbitrap is highly suitable for analyzing multi-component mixtures derived from plants, essential oils, bio-based polymers… It enables comprehensive profiling and differentiation between batches or suppliers, even in the absence of standards.
Yes, especially for identifying migrating substances at very low concentrations (phthalates, residual solvents, additives, etc.), as part of compatibility studies or regulatory compliance assessments (pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food).
First of all, Orbitrap mass spectrometry enables ions to be trapped by an electrostatic field. These ions have an axial oscillation frequency that varies according to their mass-to-charge ratio, which makes it possible to separate them.
The Orbitrap consists of a central electrode and an outer cylindrical electrode. The central electrode, coaxial with the inner axis, traps ions in an orbital motion, and a mass spectrum can then be generated from the detector, which converts the image of the induced current of the trapped ions into a frequency spectrum using the Fourier transform.
As a result, Orbitrap mass spectrometry offers quantitative mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography (LC-MS) at high resolution and mass accuracy (HRAM).
The LC-Orbitrap HRMS combines liquid chromatography with a high-resolution mass spectrometer capable of providing exact mass measurements. It is particularly well suited to non-targeted approaches, such as screening for unknown compounds, identifying unexpected molecules or characterizing complex mixtures. It makes it possible to explore a sample without necessarily knowing in advance which compounds are being sought.
The LC-MS/MS (triple quadrupole) is mainly used for targeted and quantitative analysis. It makes it possible to search for and quantify, with high sensitivity, molecules that have already been identified, thanks to the monitoring of specific mass/mass transitions.
Thus, LC-Orbitrap HRMS is preferred for identification, molecular characterization and broad screening, while LC-MS/MS is often chosen for the precise quantification of known trace-level compounds.
At FILAB laboratory, these two approaches are complementary: HRMS Orbitrap makes it possible to explore and characterize complex matrices, while LC-MS/MS provides targeted, sensitive quantification of the compounds of interest.
