ABSTRACT
Introduction
Ion mobility-mass spectrometry is an emerging technology in the clinical setting for high throughput and high confidence molecular characterization from complex biological samples. Ion mobility spectrometry can provide isomer separations on the basis of molecular structure, the ability of which is increasing through technological developments that afford enhanced resolving power. Integrating multiple separation dimensions, such as liquid chromatography-ion mobility-mass spectrometry (LC-IM-MS) provide dramatic enhancements in the mitigation of molecular interferences for high accuracy clinical measurements.
Areas covered
Multidimensional separations with LC-IM-MS provide better selectivity and sensitivity in molecular analysis. Mass spectrometry imaging of tissues to inform spatial molecular distribution is improved by complementary ion mobility analyses. Biomarker identification in surgical environments is enhanced by intraoperative biochemical analysis with mass spectrometry and holds promise for integration with ion mobility spectrometry. New prospects in high resolving power ion mobility are enhancing analysis capabilities, such as distinguishing isomeric compounds.
Expert Opinion
Ion mobility-mass spectrometry holds many prospects for the field of isomer identification, molecular imaging, and intraoperative tumor margin delineation in clinical settings. These advantages are afforded while maintaining fast analysis times and subsequently high throughput. High resolving power ion mobility will enhance these advantages further, in particular for analyses requiring high confidence isobaric selectivity and detection.
Article highlights
Ion mobility improves selectivity in clinical analyses.
Integrated multidimensional separations with LC-IM-MS allow for exogenous isomeric compounds to be resolved.
Mass spectrometry imaging is improved by ion mobility selectivity.
Intraoperative deployment of mass spectrometry indicates tissue disease state.
Next generation high-resolution ion mobility allows for improved isomer separation for high confidence molecular annotation and quantitation.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the Center for Innovative Technology at Vanderbilt University for providing supporting resources in preparation of this review.
Declaration of interests
The authors are unaware of any potential bias that may affect the objectivity of the review but do acknowledge collaborative arrangements with Agilent Technologies (Santa Clara, CA), Waters Corporation (Milford, MA), and MOBILion Systems (Chadds Ford, PA). The Vanderbilt University Center for Innovative Technology is designated as an Agilent Thought Leader Laboratory and a Waters Center of Innovation. J.A.M is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for MOBILion Systems, which is a supplier of commercial ion mobility instruments. J.A.M. certifies that contributions are scientifically objective and are not influenced by his SAB participation.
Reviewer disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.