Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris 240 Mass Spectrometer

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris 240 Mass Spectrometer is a benchtop high-resolution accurate-mass (HRAM) hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap system engineered for robust, reproducible performance across proteomics, metabolomics, and biopharmaceutical characterization workflows. It employs a high-field Orbitrap mass analyzer operating under ultra-high vacuum (UHV), enabling rapid scanning at up to 22 Hz while maintaining sub-ppm mass accuracy and resolving power up to 240,000 FWHM at m/z 200. The instrument integrates a conjugated hyperbolic quadrupole with optimized RF voltage application to achieve narrow isolation windows (down to 0.4 Da) and high ion transmission efficiency—critical for quantitative precision in complex biological matrices. Its compact footprint and modular architecture support seamless integration into regulated and academic laboratories alike, without compromising analytical fidelity or operational uptime.

Key Features

• High-field Orbitrap analyzer delivering up to 240,000 resolution (FWHM) at m/z 200 and <1 ppm RMS mass accuracy over extended acquisition periods
• Real-time EASY IC™ internal calibration: single-point calibration sustains mass accuracy for ≥5 days without recalibration
• Intelligent data acquisition via AcquireX™ workflow—automatically triggers MS/MS on low-abundance features missed in standard DDA, improving coverage and reducing false negatives
• Native compatibility with Thermo Scientific FAIMS Pro™ interface for gas-phase ion mobility separation, enhancing selectivity in co-eluting peptide analysis and mitigating ratio compression in TMT multiplexing
• Flexible scan modes including TopN/TopSpeed DDA, Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA), and MS^X for comprehensive small-molecule and biomolecule interrogation
• Extended mass range capability (up to m/z 8000) when configured with BioPharma Option, supporting native MS of mAbs, ADCs, and large protein complexes

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Orbitrap Exploris 240 interfaces seamlessly with Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC systems and supports reversed-phase, HILIC, and SEC-based LC methods. It accommodates both electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources, and is validated for use with FAIMS Pro™ for differential mobility filtering. The system complies with key regulatory requirements for GxP environments: raw data files adhere to the Thermo Raw file format (version 3.0+), supporting full audit trail functionality per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with Thermo Scientific Chromeleon CDS v7.3 or later. Instrument qualification protocols align with ASTM E2629 and ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines for mass spectrometry validation. Routine operation meets GLP/GMP documentation standards for QC release testing in biopharmaceutical development.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition is managed through Thermo Scientific Tune software (v4.5+) and Xcalibur 4.5+, providing intuitive method setup, real-time spectral visualization, and automated calibration routines. Quantitative and qualitative analysis leverages Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer 3.3+ for untargeted metabolite identification, and Proteome Discoverer 2.5+ for bottom-up proteomics—including label-free, TMT, and SWATH-style DIA workflows. All software modules enforce role-based access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails. Raw data export supports open formats (mzML, mzXML) for third-party processing tools, ensuring interoperability with MaxQuant, Skyline, and OpenMS platforms. Instrument diagnostics and predictive maintenance alerts are embedded in the Thermo Scientific Instrument Manager suite.

Applications

• Deep Proteomics: Enables high-coverage, label-free and TMT-based quantification with improved dynamic range and reduced missing values—particularly effective for low-input samples such as single-cell lysates or clinical biopsies
• TMT Multiplexing: Delivers enhanced MS/MS resolution and reduced co-isolation interference, yielding more accurate reporter ion ratios across up to 16-plex experiments
• Metabolomics Discovery: AcquireX-driven intelligent fragmentation minimizes in-source decay and unintended adduct formation, improving confidence in structural annotation
• Biopharmaceutical Characterization: Supports intact mass analysis, subunit mapping, peptide mapping, and native top-down workflows for mAbs, bispecifics, and ADCs—validated for comparability studies and stability-indicating assays
• Environmental & Forensic Screening: High mass accuracy and isotopic fidelity enable confident detection of trace-level contaminants, pesticides, and novel psychoactive substances in complex environmental or biological extracts

FAQ

What is the maximum achievable resolution on the Orbitrap Exploris 240?
Up to 240,000 FWHM at m/z 200, dependent on transient length and signal-to-noise conditions.
Does the system support native mass spectrometry for large proteins?
Yes—when equipped with the optional BioPharma Upgrade Kit, the mass range extends to m/z 8000, enabling intact analysis of monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates under non-denaturing conditions.
How does EASY IC improve long-term mass accuracy?
EASY IC performs real-time internal calibration using lock masses generated from the sample itself, eliminating the need for external calibrants and sustaining <1 ppm RMS accuracy for ≥5 days post-calibration.
Is FAIMS Pro integration required for DIA workflows?
No—FAIMS Pro is optional but highly recommended for complex DIA datasets; it improves precursor selectivity and reduces chimeric spectra in deep proteome profiling.
Can the Orbitrap Exploris 240 be used in a regulated QC laboratory?
Yes—it supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with validated Chromeleon CDS and appropriate procedural controls, and is widely adopted in pharmaceutical quality control labs for identity and purity testing.