Anden begrundelse
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• Technical uniqueness: The Orbitrap New Astral Mass Spectrometer is a novel high-resolution, accurate-mass (HRAM) system that combines several patented technologies—Orbitrap, high-selectivity quadrupole mass filter, and Astral analyzer—into one platform. While the Orbitrap delivers high-dynamic-range HRAM full MS scans, and the quadrupole ensures efficient and selective precursor ion isolation, the Astral analyzer offers ultrafast (up to 200 Hz) and sensitive HRAM MS/MS scanning, significantly improving throughput and depth of proteomic analysis. This combination enables performance characteristics that are unmatched by any other commercially available instrument, particularly in the context of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) used in proteomics research. - Our service workflows require TMTpro 18-plex reagents for maximum throughput on all platforms in a single experiment. Therefore, the new instruments must have mass analyzers with high mass resolution (>60000 at 200 m/z), quantitative performance, and dynamic range (>5000:1 within one spectrum in at least one analyzer). They must also resolve the 6mDa mass difference between TMT18pro reporter ions in both Astral and Orbitrap Analyzers to increase throughput in a single-multiplexed experiment. At least one analyzer must deliver sufficient resolution (90000 at 200 m/z) to enable the new TMTpro 35-plex reagents to be employed in a single experiment (defined as a single-pool of 18 or 35-plexed samples). - The instrument must operate in parallel and deliver true 200Hz MS/MS spectral acquisition rate without the need to sum microscans. It must have a high-resolution, accurate mass analyzer capable of delivering resolution up to 480000 at m/z 200. - The instrument must provide a sensitivity increase over current technology platforms, maximizing signal-to-noise ratio with the FAIMS Pro Duo interface. Proven results demonstrate 6500 protein groups from a single cell. - The instrument must perform narrow window DIA for selectivity and sensitivity in plasma proteomics, with published results for large-cohort studies. - The instrument must offer versatile workflows in glycoproteomics, cross-linking mass spectrometry, and cell/tissue proteomics, with sample input ranging from single cells to micrograms. - The instrument must deliver high-throughput DIA (up to 300SPD) while maintaining quantitative performance for fast, in-depth coverage of a whole-cell proteome digest. The New Astral MS meets all these technical requirements. • Supplementary purchases from the original supplier PRI already operates two Astral MS systems. Hence, the new acquisition is meant to expand the already existing equipment and provides full integration into existing work routines. Introducing a system from a different supplier would necessitate substantial changes to software platforms, data processing pipelines, and technical staff training, leading to disproportionate costs and disruption of ongoing operations. • Patent or exclusive rights: The Orbitrap Astral system is protected by multiple international patents, making Thermo Fisher Scientific the sole legal manufacturer and distributor of this technology. These include (but are not limited to) the following patent applications and grants: GB2612574A, GB2605395A, GB2608352A, GB2608365A US20230118221A1, EP3410463B1, GB2583758B, GB2575169B GB2527898B, GB2515407A These exclusive rights prevent any other supplier from offering a product with equivalent technical specifications and architecture. • Conclusion Given the technical exclusivity, integration requirements, and patent protections associated with the Orbitrap Astral Mass Spectrometer, Thermo Fisher Scientific is currently the only supplier capable of meeting the requirements of this procurement.