Thermo Scientific TSQ 9000 – Unstoppable Routine Analysis

Importance of the Topic

Advanced mass spectrometry methods are critical for trace-level analysis of organic contaminants in complex matrices. The Thermo Scientific TSQ 9000 GC-MS/MS system with Advanced Electron Ionization offers unprecedented sensitivity and robustness, enabling reliable detection of pesticides at attogram levels. This capability supports stringent regulatory compliance and enhances quality control across food safety, environmental monitoring, and industrial analytics.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This work evaluates the performance of the TSQ 9000 GC-MS/MS equipped with Advanced Electron Ionization (AEI) for routine pesticide analysis. Key aims include demonstrating sensitivity down to 10⁻¹⁸ grams, assessing method robustness over hundreds of injections, and validating identification and quantification metrics in baby food matrices using a QuEChERS extraction protocol.

Methodology

A QuEChERS sample preparation approach was applied to apple/pear/banana and carrot/potato baby food. Ten-gram samples were fortified at multiple concentration levels (1, 2.5, 10 µg/kg) with a mixture of over 200 pesticides. Dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) cleaned extracts, which were concentrated to 1 g/mL in acetonitrile.

Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific TSQ 9000 GC-MS/MS with NeverVent EI and Advanced Electron Ionization source
• Chromeleon 7.2 chromatography data system for instrument control, data acquisition, processing and reporting
• Dual-filament, RF-lens AEI source derived from ExtractaBrite technology

Main Results and Discussion

The AEI source achieved detection into the attogram range, with an instrumental detection limit (IDL) of 120 ag for octafluoronaphthalene and 5–7 fg for several pesticides. Over 90% of 211 studied compounds met SANTE identification criteria below 0.5 µg/kg, representing up to 100-fold lower detection than default MRLs. Calibration linearity exceeded R² ≥ 0.99 across fg–pg concentration ranges. Robustness trials showed <20% RSD for >90% of monitored pesticides during ~900 injections without source cleaning.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Ultra-high sensitivity enables lower sample amounts and reduced preconcentration
• Inherent robustness and NeverVent design yield extended uptime and minimized maintenance
• Scalability supports laboratory growth from entry-level to high-throughput configurations
• Reliable quantitative performance under SANTE guidelines facilitates regulatory compliance in food safety testing

Future Trends and Opportunities

Anticipated developments include further integration of ion source innovations to boost sensitivity, automation of sample processing and data analysis, and application to emerging contaminants. Advances in machine learning for chromatography data interpretation and cloud-based monitoring may enhance throughput and decision support in routine analysis.

Conclusion

The TSQ 9000 GC-MS/MS with Advanced Electron Ionization demonstrates a robust, high-throughput platform for trace pesticide analysis, combining attogram-level sensitivity with exceptional uptime. Its performance in complex matrices like baby food underscores its value for routine QC and regulatory laboratories.

References

Paul Silcock. Thermo Scientific TSQ 9000 – Unstoppable Routine Analysis. EPRW 2018.