BEIS (Boost efficiency IS). High sensitivity ion source for GC MS/MS

Significance of the Topic

High sensitivity in gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) is crucial for detecting persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins at sub-picogram levels. Regulatory limits for dioxins in food, feed and environmental samples have become more stringent across Europe, Asia and Africa, driving demand for improved ion sources that ensure reliable quantification at ultra low concentrations.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work introduces the Boost Efficiency Ion Source (BEIS) developed by Shimadzu to enhance ionization performance in GC-MS/MS dioxin analysis. Key goals include:

• Optimizing electron gun design to increase ionization efficiency
• Demonstrating sensitivity gains compared to the previous ion source
• Validating performance under lower emission currents and extended injection cycles

Methodology and Instrumentation

BEIS features an optimized electron gun diameter that focuses the electron beam, resulting in higher ion production. Performance was evaluated on a Shimadzu TQ8050NX GC-MS/MS system equipped with BEIS. Standard solutions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and octafluoronaphthalene (OFN) were analyzed to determine sensitivity, signal stability, and filament life.

Main Results and Discussion

Key findings include:

• Sensitivity increased by 3 to 4 times for target dioxin congeners compared to the previous source
• Comparable or superior signal achieved at half the emission current, effectively doubling sensitivity per unit current
• Ion source maintained stable response over more than 500 injections, with minimal signal degradation for PCDD congeners
• OFN instrumental detection limit (IDL) reached ≤0.3 fg, confirming ultra-trace capability

Benefits and Practical Applications

BEIS enables reliable quantification of dioxins at or below regulatory maximum levels, supporting official methods such as EU 589/2014. The enhanced sensitivity reduces sample volume requirements and improves throughput in food safety laboratories. Although standard ion sources remain adequate for higher concentration targets like pesticides, BEIS is recommended for ultra-trace POPs analysis.

Future Trends and Opportunities

As global regulations tighten and lower detection limits are imposed, high efficiency ion sources like BEIS will play a growing role in monitoring persistent organic pollutants. Potential developments include further miniaturization, integration with high resolution separations, and application to emerging contaminants. Adoption across export regions to Europe, Asia and Africa will expand demand for sensitive GC-MS/MS workflows.

Conclusion

The Boost Efficiency Ion Source represents a significant advancement in GC-MS/MS technology for dioxin analysis, offering 3 to 4 fold sensitivity improvements, robust performance at lower emission currents, and extended operational stability. BEIS meets current and future analytical challenges in environmental and food safety testing.

Reference

Shimadzu Corporation Technical Specifications for TQ8050NX and BEIS