Fast atom bombardment
Fast atom bombardment (FAB) is an
Ionization mechanism
FAB is a relatively low fragmentation (soft) ionization technique and produces primarily intact
Matrices and sample introduction
As previously stated, in FAB the samples are mixed with a non-volatile environment (matrix) in order to be analyzed. FAB uses a liquid matrix that is mixed with the sample in order to provide a sample ion current that is sustained, reduces damages made to the sample by absorbing the impact of the primary beam, and keeps the sample molecules form aggregating.[8] The liquid matrix, like any other matrix, most importantly provides a medium that promotes sample ionization. The most widely accepted matrix for this type of ionization is glycerol. Choosing the appropriate matrix for the sample is crucial because the matrix can also influence the degree of fragmentation of the sample (analyte) ions. The sample can then be introduced to FAB analysis. The normal method of introducing the sample-matrix mixture is through an insertion probe. The sample-matrix mixture is loaded on a stainless steel sample target on the probe, which is then placed in the ion source via a vacuum lock. The alternative method of introducing the sample is by using a device called continuous flow fast atom bombardment (CF)-FAB.
Continuous flow fast atom bombardment
In continuous flow fast atom bombardment (CF-FAB), the sample is introduced into the mass spectrometer insertion probe through a small diameter capillary.[12] (CF)-FAB was developed to minimize the problem of poor detection sensitivity that is caused by an excess of the matrix background that results in a high matrix-to-sample ratio.[8] When a metal frit is used to disperse the liquid on the probe, the technique is known as frit FAB.[13][14] Samples can be introduced by flow injection, microdialysis, or by coupling with liquid chromatography.[15] Flow rates are typically between 1 and 20 μL/min.[13] CF-FAB has a higher sensitivity compared to static FAB[16]
Applications
The first example of the practical application of this FAB was the elucidation of the amino acid sequence of the oligopeptide efrapeptin D. This contained a variety of very unusual amino acid residues.
Inorganic analysis
In 1983 a paper was published describing the use of fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) to analyze isotopes of calcium.
References
- PMID 7306100.
- ISSN 0003-2700.
- .
- ISSN 0028-0836.
- ISSN 0168-1176.
- ISBN 978-0-8493-6293-4.
- ISSN 0277-7037.
- ^ OCLC 609942304.
- ISSN 0009-2665.
- .
- ISSN 1044-0305.
- PMID 2190496.
- ^ )
- ISBN 978-0-471-92863-8.
- ISSN 1076-5174.
- PMID 1812988.
- ^ Bullough,D.A., Jackson C.G.,Henderson, P.J.F., Cottee, F.H.,Beechey,R.B. and Linnett, P.E. Biochemistry International (1981) 4, 543-549
- ^ Smith, David (December 1983). "Determination of Stable Isotopes of Calcium in Biological Fluids by Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry". Analytical Chemistry. 55: 2391–2393.
- ^ ISBN 0-12-490540-4.
- ^ Miller, Leland; Hambidge, Michael; Fennessey, Paul (1991). "Isotope Fractionation and Hydride Interference in Metal Isotope Analysis by Fast Atom Bombardment-Induced Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry". Journal of Micronutrient Analysis. 8: 179–197.
- ^ Krebs, Nancy; Miller, Leland; Naake, Vernon; Lei, Sian; Westcott, Jamie; Fennessey, Paul; Hambidge, Michael (June 1995). "The Use of Stable Isotope Techniques to Assess Zinc Metabolism". Nutritional Biochemistry. 6: 292–301.