Thermo Scientific LTQ-Orbitrap XL Hybrid High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer (Refurbished)

Overview

The Thermo Scientific LTQ-Orbitrap XL is a hybrid linear ion trap–Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometer engineered for demanding applications in proteomics, metabolomics, and small-molecule structural characterization. It integrates two complementary mass analyzers—LTQ (Linear Trap Quadrupole) and Orbitrap—in a single platform, enabling simultaneous acquisition of high-sensitivity MSⁿ spectra in the ion trap and high-resolution, accurate-mass (HRAM) full-scan data in the Orbitrap analyzer. Its operating principle relies on electrodynamic trapping of ions in the LTQ for isolation, fragmentation (via CID, HCD, or ETD), and rapid scanning, while the Orbitrap captures ions radially oscillating around a central spindle electrode, with frequency-to-mass conversion yielding resolution up to 100,000 (at m/z 400, FWHM). This dual-analyzer architecture supports both discovery-driven workflows (e.g., label-free quantitation, PTM mapping) and hypothesis-driven targeted analysis, with sub-ppm mass accuracy under routine calibration conditions.

Key Features

• Hybrid architecture combining LTQ and Orbitrap mass analyzers for concurrent high-speed MSⁿ and high-resolution full-scan acquisition
• High-resolution capability up to 100,000 (FWHM at m/z 400), maintaining sensitivity across resolution settings
• HCD (Higher-Energy Collisional Dissociation) cell enabling robust, reproducible fragmentation for iTRAQ/TMT quantitative proteomics and PTM site localization
• ETD (Electron Transfer Dissociation) compatibility for sequence-informative cleavage of labile post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation, glycosylation)
• Optional MALDI source integration for offline peptide/protein identification, 2D-gel spot analysis, and tissue imaging applications
• Robust power conditioning via Powervar GPI 2000 series regulator—featuring low-impedance isolation transformer, surge suppression, and EMI/RFI filtering
• ThermoFlex 900 recirculating chiller providing stable thermal management (cooling capacity: 24 kW / 81,948 BTU/hr) for extended instrument uptime and mass axis stability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LTQ-Orbitrap XL supports electrospray ionization (ESI), nanospray, and optional MALDI sources, accommodating peptides, intact proteins, lipids, metabolites, and synthetic small molecules. It is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant laboratories for biomarker verification and method validation studies. While the instrument itself does not carry FDA 510(k) clearance, its data output meets requirements for regulatory submissions under ICH M10 and USP when operated within validated SOPs. Data integrity is supported by audit-trail-capable software environments compatible with 21 CFR Part 11 compliance frameworks when deployed with appropriate IT controls and user access management.

Software & Data Management

Instrument control and data acquisition are performed using Thermo Scientific Xcalibur 2.2 or later, which provides real-time spectrum visualization, automated peak detection, and integrated database search workflows (e.g., Mascot, Sequest, Byonic). Raw files (.raw) are natively compatible with open-source platforms including ProteoWizard, MaxQuant, and Skyline for downstream quantitation and statistical analysis. All refurbished units include licensed software bundles validated for instrument functionality; spectral libraries, calibration standards, and method templates are provided upon request. Data storage follows FAIR principles—files retain embedded metadata (acquisition time, instrument parameters, calibration status) and support automated backup protocols.

Applications

• Bottom-up and middle-down proteomics: identification, quantification (iTRAQ/TMT), and PTM mapping (phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination)
• De novo sequencing of novel or non-genome-encoded peptides
• Metabolite identification and pathway annotation in untargeted metabolomics
• Small-molecule confirmation and structural elucidation (e.g., impurity profiling, degradation product analysis)
• MALDI-based peptide mass fingerprinting from 2D gel spots and spatially resolved tissue sections
• Top-down analysis of intact proteins up to ~50 kDa with optimized ETD/HCD staging

FAQ

Is this unit fully refurbished and performance-verified?
Yes. Each LTQ-Orbitrap XL undergoes comprehensive functional testing at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO 17025-accredited service facility, including mass accuracy verification (<2 ppm RMS error), resolution validation (≥60K at m/z 400), and sensitivity assessment (≤50 amol BSA tryptic peptide S/N ≥ 50:1). A full test report accompanies shipment.
What warranty and post-purchase support is included?
A 6-month limited hardware warranty covers all major components (ion optics, detectors, vacuum system, electronics). Remote diagnostics and application support are available during business hours (EST). On-site service contracts can be arranged separately.
Can this system be integrated with existing LC platforms?
Yes. The LTQ-Orbitrap XL features standard ESI interfaces compatible with Thermo Accela/UHPLC, Waters Acquity, Agilent 1290, and Shimadzu Nexera systems. Dual-source configurations (e.g., ESI + MALDI) require optional bracketing hardware and are subject to mechanical alignment verification.
Are original consumables and spare parts available?
All OEM consumables—including Orbitrap tuning mix, LTQ calibration solutions, ETD reagent cartridges, and HCD gas regulators—are stocked and shipped globally. Critical spares (e.g., ion transfer tube assemblies, C-trap electrodes) are maintained in inventory for expedited replacement.