Ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) is a rapid, gas-phase separation technique that has become an integral part of the analytical repertoire of techniques for the -omics. This method couples well with existing protocols (i.e., LC-MS) by affording an additional dimension of separation, and provides a characteristic measure of an analyte’s size, shape, and charge in the form of a collision cross section (CCS). CCS can be used to increase confidence in quantitative measurement of known compounds, thus reducing interferences and improving S:N ratios, and also serves as a defining feature in identification of unknowns. Furthermore, this separation based on structure (as opposed to mass-to-charge alone) allows for distinction of structural and stereoisomers of potential biological importance.

This presentation will cover the basic operating principles of IMS and current instrumentation; applications to metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics; and future directions for IM-MS, such as implementation in routine clinical analysis.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the basic operating principles of IMS and current instrumentation
2. Understand current applications to metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics