Protein research, diagnostics, and analytics have always relied on the accurate detection, identification, and analysis of macromolecules. Mass spectrometry, a common method used for this purpose, separates charged particles (ions) according to their mass-to-charge ratio and measures the intensity of the signals generated by a detector. However, conventional detectors have limitations when it comes to detecting particles with low kinetic energy. This limitation has now been overcome by an international team of researchers led by quantum physicist Markus Arndt from the University of Vienna, who have achieved a groundbreaking breakthrough in the detection of protein ions using superconducting nanowire detectors.
Superconducting nanowire detectors have proven to be highly sensitive to high-energy particles, achieving an almost 100% quantum efficiency. In comparison to conventional ion detectors, these nanowire detectors can also distinguish between macromolecules based on their impact energy. This breakthrough discovery allows for more accurate and sensitive detection of proteins and provides additional information in mass spectrometry.
The Study
A European consortium, coordinated by the University of Vienna and consisting of partners in Delft, Lausanne, Almere, and Basel, conducted the study. For the first time, the researchers demonstrated the use of superconducting nanowires as excellent detectors for protein beams in quadrupole mass spectrometry. In this method, ions from the sample to be analyzed are fed into a quadrupole mass spectrometer where they undergo filtration. By replacing conventional detectors with superconducting nanowires, particles with low kinetic energy can now be identified.
About Superconductivity
Superconductivity is the key to this detection method. Nanowires enter a superconducting state at extremely low temperatures, losing their electrical resistance and enabling lossless current flow. When ions excite the superconducting nanowires, a return to the normal conducting state occurs, known as quantum transition. This transition is interpreted as a detection signal due to the change in the electrical properties of the nanowires. First author Marcel Strauß explains, “With the nanowire detectors we use, we exploit the quantum transition from the superconducting to the normal conducting state and can thus outperform conventional ion detectors by up to three orders of magnitude.”
The Advantages
Nanowire detectors offer exceptional quantum yield, even at low impact energies, surpassing the capabilities of conventional detectors. Furthermore, integrating a mass spectrometer with a quantum sensor not only enables the distinction of molecules based on their mass-to-charge state but also provides the ability to classify them according to their kinetic energy. This improvement in detection enhances spatial resolution and opens up new possibilities in mass spectrometry, molecular spectroscopy, molecular deflectometry, and quantum interferometry of molecules.
The breakthrough achieved by the international research team led by Markus Arndt has paved the way for significant advancements in protein ion detection. The use of superconducting nanowire detectors in mass spectrometry ensures higher sensitivity and accuracy, particularly when analyzing particles with low kinetic energy. This breakthrough has immense implications for various fields, including protein research, diagnostics, and analytics.
The successful application of superconducting nanowire detectors in the detection of protein ions marks a significant leap forward in the field of mass spectrometry. The ability to distinguish between macromolecules based on their impact energy enhances the sensitivity of detection and provides valuable additional information. The future holds great promise for the integration of these detectors into various scientific disciplines, revolutionizing the way we understand and analyze protein molecules.
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