Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry Product Reference Guide

Importance of the Topic

The convergence of leading chromatography and mass spectrometry technologies under a single brand presents a pivotal advance in analytical chemistry. By integrating Dionex’s innovative ion and liquid chromatography solutions with Thermo Scientific’s mass spectrometry platforms, laboratories can address complex analytical challenges more efficiently and reliably. This unified portfolio supports critical applications in environmental monitoring, life sciences, pharmaceutical QA/QC, food safety, and forensic testing.

Objectives and Overview

This reference guide aims to showcase the full range of Thermo Scientific and Dionex products, highlighting their combined strengths in separations, detection, data management, and service support. It provides an organized presentation of instrumentation, accessories, software, and sample preparation workflows to help users select optimal solutions for routine and research applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The document is structured by analytical technique and workflow stage. Each section introduces instrument series, key design features, performance specifications, and application examples. Emphasis is placed on modular configurations, pressure and flow capabilities, sensitivity enhancements, and ease of integration with mass spectrometry and laboratory informatics.

Instrumentation

• Liquid Chromatography
  • UltiMate 3000 HPLC/UHPLC and RSLCnano systems
  • Accela High Speed and Open Autosampler LC systems
  • Transcend LX multiplexed LC–MS platforms
  • EASY-nLC series for nanoflow separations
• Gas Chromatography
  • TRACE GC series and FOCUS GC for high-throughput and QA/QC
  • ISQ single quadrupole GC–MS and ITQ ion trap for full-scan and MSn
• Ion Chromatography
  • ICS-5000 modular RFIC systems with eluent generation and suppression
  • Compact ICS-1600/ICS-2100 RFIC-EG systems
  • Basic ICS-900 systems for conductivity detection
• Mass Spectrometry
  • Exactive and Q Exactive Orbitrap systems for high-resolution, accurate-mass (HR/AM) analysis
  • TSQ Quantum series triple quadrupole MS/MS for routine quantitation
  • LTQ, Velos Pro, and Elite hybrid ion trap–Orbitrap platforms for structural elucidation
• Sample Preparation
  • Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) and AutoTrace SPE automation
  • On-line SPE–LC integration and Rocket evaporator for concentration
• Chromatography Consumables and Accessories
  • Columns: Acclaim, Hypersil GOLD, Syncronis, TraceGOLD, TracePLOT, IonPac
  • Vials, fittings (Viper/nanoViper), standards, reagents, fittings
• Software and Informatics
  • Chromeleon CDS and Atlas enterprise LIMS
  • Xcalibur for MS control, Proteome Discoverer, MetWorks, ToxID
  • Integration Manager and Electronic Laboratory Notebooks

Key Results and Discussion

• UHPLC compatibility across HPLC platforms enables faster separations, higher resolution, and reduced solvent use at pressures up to 1000 bar.
• Nano- and microflow LC systems deliver sensitivity for trace proteomics and metabolomics down to femtomole levels.
• Orbitrap instruments achieve resolving power >100,000 FWHM and mass accuracy <2 ppm, supporting confident identification of small molecules and biomolecules.
• RFIC systems automate eluent generation and suppression, reducing user error and daily maintenance while improving baseline stability.
• Integrated software and LIMS solutions streamline data acquisition, processing, and compliance in regulated environments.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Increased laboratory throughput via multiplexed LC–MS and rapid UHPLC methods
• Improved data quality through high-resolution mass spectrometry and low-noise conductivity detection
• Reduced operational costs by eliminating manual eluent preparation and minimizing solvent consumption
• Enhanced workflow efficiency with automated sample prep, on-line SPE, and intuitive software interfaces
• Comprehensive support from installation and training to preventive maintenance and global service networks

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Further miniaturization and integration of micro- and nanofluidic systems for single-cell and low-volume analyses
• Expanded use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in method development and data interpretation
• Development of next-generation detectors for real-time reaction monitoring and in situ analysis
• Greater adoption of high-throughput screening and multi-omics workflows in drug discovery and clinical research
• Enhanced cloud-based data management and remote instrument monitoring for distributed laboratory networks

Conclusion

The combined Thermo Scientific and Dionex portfolio delivers a comprehensive ecosystem for modern analytical laboratories. By uniting best-in-class chromatography, mass spectrometry, sample preparation, software, and support services, researchers and quality control professionals can achieve faster, more sensitive, and more reliable results across diverse applications.

References

• Thermo Scientific and Dionex, Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry Product Reference Guide, 2011.