Enhancement of biological mass spectrometry by using separations based on changes in ion mobility (FAIMS and DMS)

Analysis of complex biological samples for lowlevel analytes by liquid chromatography\u2013tandem mass spectrometry (LC\u2013MS/MS) often requires additional selectivity. Differential mobility techniques (FAIMS and DMS) have been shown to enhance LC\u2013MS/MS analyses by separating ions in the gas-phase on a millisecond timescale by use of a mechanism that is complementary to both liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. In this overview, a simplified description of the operation of these devices is given and an example presented that illustrates the utility of FAIMS (DMS) for solving a challenging analytical assay. Important recent advances in the field, including work with gas modifiers, are presented, along with an outlook for the technology.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye