Superconducting magnets are an essential technology at the heart of new high performance hybrid ion trap - Fourier transform mass spectrometry technique
Oxford Instruments Superconductivity has been selected as a key supplier of superconducting magnet technology to Thermo Electron that will enable a new generation of bio-tools for medical and scientific research.
Described as the world's first commercially available, high performance hybrid ion trap - Fourier transform mass spectrometer (LTQ-FTTM) will use Oxford Instruments's superconducting magnet technology to help deliver its high performance specification.
The Fourier transform mass spectrometer (FTMS) platform developed by Thermo Electron represents a paradigm shift in mass spectrometry, as it transforms a highly complex technology into an instrument ideal for use in routine pharmaceutical and biochemical research. Oxford Instruments's superconducting magnet is a critical enabling element at the heart of the instrument, which will play a major role in future drug discovery and life science applications.
By uniquely combining high resolution, accurate mass determinations with MSn, Thermo Electron's highly advanced Finnigan LTQ-FTTM facilitates the precise elucidation of protein structure and function.
The information gained from this new bio-tool will increase knowledge on biological function and ultimately assist in the advancement of novel drug discovery, diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.
"The powerful new technique of the Finnigan LTQ-FTTM is breaking new ground in terms of analytical speed, accuracy, sensitivity and resolution for biomolecular structural characterisation," said Frank Trundle, marketing director of Oxford Instruments.
"We are proud to be associated with Thermo Electron's exciting innovation.
"Our superconducting magnet technology offers the perfect solution to the performance of the radical FTMS platform".
Oxford Instruments underwent a rigorous supplier selection process where it demonstrated the consistent quality of its magnets, critical for the delivery of such a high performance technique as Finnigan LTQ-FTTM.
A further factor for consideration was the expected exponential growth of the Finnigan LTQ-FTTM market over the next five years.
It was, therefore, essential that a primary supplier could meet all these exacting demands in terms of both quality and supply.
The supplier agreement is estimated to be worth euro 3m over the next 18 months with euro 1m already committed.
FTMS platforms are well positioned to help advance the needs of many life science and pharmaceutical analytical applications and it is expected that advances in FTMS will enable significant growth opportunities.
