June 18th 2025
A pioneer of FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry, Alan G. Marshall (1944–2025), is best known for co-inventing Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), a transformative technique that enabled ultrahigh-resolution analysis of complex mixtures. Over a career spanning more than five decades at institutions like the University of British Columbia, The Ohio State University, and Florida State University, he published over 650 peer-reviewed papers and mentored more than 150 scientists. Marshall’s work profoundly impacted fields ranging from astrobiology to petroleomics and earned him numerous prestigious awards and fellowships. Revered for his intellect, mentorship, and dedication to science, he leaves behind a legacy that continues to shape modern mass spectrometry.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry for Direct Tissue Analysis
A summary of the most recent advances in sample preparation, instrumentation, and data-processing techniques for MALDI-IMS
25-Hydroxyvitamin D2/D3 Analysis in Human Plasma Using LC–MS
March 1st 2011Increases in vitamin D testing frequency have required more rapid and cost-effective solutions for determining vitamin D levels in plasma. This LC–MS method was adapted for use with core-shell columns to achieve run times of less than 4 min.
Mass Spectrometry Advances Fossilomics
March 1st 2011Fossilomics uses MS to extract amino acid sequence information from subpicomole quantities of protein and peptide fragments that remain in certain fossil samples. The sequences are compared to databases and validated with search statistics and high-confidence sequences. The validated sequences can then be used to place the fossils on the evolutionary tree.
Multi-Residue Pesticide Analysis Using a GC Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer
February 11th 2011There are currently more than 1000 pesticides in use worldwide in the production of foodstuffs. There is a significant risk to human health and the environment due to increased pesticide use, poor agricultural practices and illegal use.
Using Novel TOF-MS to Increase Sensitivity and Confidently Detect Drugs of Abuse in Urine
October 1st 2010The analysis of urine for drugs of abuse via chromatographic methods is commonplace but can be complicated by high matrix effects and frequent coelution. Novel time-of-flight mass spectrometry in combination with sophisticated deconvolution software was tested and found to provide increased confidence in results due to the high sensitivity and quality of spectra achieved.
Increasing Productivity of ADME Studies Using Accurate Mass Technology
October 1st 2010A new time-of-flight mass spectrometer was evaluated for performing simultaneous metabolic stability measurement and metabolite identification with ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography. Six representative compounds (clomipramine, diclofenac, imipramine, haloperidol, verapamil, and midazolam) were incubated in rat liver microsomes at a more physiologically relevant substrate concentration (1 ?M). High-resolution full-scan and product-ion spectra were acquired in a single injection using generic methodology. Quantitative clearance of the parent was measured using the full-scan data. Major metabolites were identified using the accurate mass product ion spectra. High scanning speed allowed for a sufficient number of data points to be collected across the chromatographic peak for quantitative analysis. Sensitivity was sufficient for obtaining meaningful kinetics with a 1 ?M initial substrate concentration.
Development of a High-Throughput LC–MS Assay for Drugs of Abuse from Biological Matrices
October 1st 2010A high-throughput LC–MS method using core-shell UHPLC columns to screen for a panel of 11 drugs of abuse (expanded SAMHSA) was developed. The corresponding SPE method allowed the reproducible separation and quantitation of these 11 components in less than 2 min. This method demonstrates the power of new-generation HPLC media as well as some of the factors one must consider when developing such methods for LC–MS analysis.