Shimadzu announces the release of the MALDI-8020 matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. This product boasts the world’s highest level of resolution and sensitivity of a linear benchtop model designed for installation on a laboratory workbench.
In comparison to quadrupole and magnetic field systems, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers have the advantage of both a wide measurable mass range and high mass resolution. They are suited to measuring nucleic acids, proteins, and polymers, and demand is expanding particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals and chemistry. However, these instruments have been close to two meters in height, which limited the installation location. By revising the design, the MALDI-8020 is a much smaller instrument, which leads to simpler maintenance and reduced running costs.
Shimadzu aims to introduce this product to the pharmaceutical industry for analysis of antibodies and nucleic acids, the chemical industry for checking the molecular weight of synthetic products and polymers, and to research and educational institutions that require measurement of a variety of substances.