Laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD) technology increases the speed of compounds analysis by 20 to 100 times compared to established techniques based on liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry
Thermo Fisher Scientific has struck a deal with Phytronix Technologies for the use of laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD) technology.
LDTD technology enhances the existing Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum LC/MS product portfolio by offering ultra fast sample analysis for both quantitative and qualitative applications in high-throughput drug discovery, drug development, food safety and environmental applications.
This technology, consisting of a semi-conductor based laser diode, allows scientists to rapidly analyse compounds.
The workflow is enhanced by simply loading the Phytronix Lazwell 96-well plate with the sample, and inserting the plate into the LDTD ion source operating at atmospheric pressure.
Pharmacokinetic studies using LDTD technology can be performed in less than ten minutes, and enzyme inhibition assays in 18 minutes - compared to the ten hours presently required with LC-MS techniques.
The LDTD ion source utilises an infrared laser diode to thermally desorb the dried sample.
The desorbed sample is transferred in the APCI region where it is ionised and then transferred into the MS.
When configured with the TSQ Quantum, the system delivers fast and efficient quantitative and qualitative results.
Applications include the analysis of sulphonamide residues in milk, analysis of explosives such as HMX, RDX, and TNT, and analysis of fatty acids in both positive and negative ion mode.
One unique advantage of this technology is that it can be used in mobile units for real-time, on-location environmental testing as seen in the operation of an LDTD-based TSQ Quantum for air quality testing by the Quebec Environmental Agency.
