Traveling Wave-Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry for Multi-Omics Studies

In the field of omics, while single omics techniques have proven adequate, it has been observed that using multiple omics techniques in conjunction yields more thorough and informative sample profiles. The rapid gas-phase structural separation of ion mobility-mass spectrometry is beneficial for high-throughput multi-omics. However, implementing multi-omic methodologies with ion mobility separation presents several challenges, including the acquisition of data in a high-throughput manner and accurate determination of calibrated collision cross-section (CCS) values using traveling-wave ion mobility-mass spectrometry (TWIM-MS) platforms. We have developed a workflow that alleviates these issues, making a high-throughput multi-omic workflow with global CCS calibration possible.¹ This workflow involves an optimized flow injection-mass spectrometry method that utilizes ion mobility for the separation of ions, in which the need for a column is eliminated, and the time required to analyze samples is decreased substantially. Parent and mutant antibiotic resistant and susceptible strains of the leading causes of bacterial infections, known as ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) are being investigated using this high-throughput workflow. We have seen preliminary success in the separation of twelve strains and the development of their lipid and metabolite profiles.

1.         Hynds, H. M.; Hines, K. M., MOCCal: A Multiomic CCS Calibrator for Traveling Wave Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry. Anal. Chem. 2024, 96 (3), 1185-1194.