Medical mass spec

By Clare Sansom2018-09-10T09:42:00

Close-up of the nanospray apparatus used in electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)

Source: © Andrew Brookes, National Physical Laboratory/Science Photo Library

Mass spectrometry can be used for more than just small molecules, meaning it is a vital tool in drug discovery and hospitals, as Clare Sansom discovers

Mass spec has been around for more than a century, and has become a real workhorse of the chemistry lab. But for more complicated samples – particularly biological ones like proteins – different methods are needed to make sure the large molecules aren’t destroyed before being analysed.