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Supporting high-quality LC-MS results
From targeted biomarker assays to proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, Thermo Scientific OptiSpray technology is designed to simplify LC-MS data acquisition and reduce common setup and troubleshooting challenges. OptiSpray technology is an intelligent, easy-to-use electrospray ionization (ESI) interface that combines automated spray optimization with cartridge capillary and nano LC columns, eliminating the need for fragile columns, emitters, and connections, simplifying setup and use, and improving quantitative accuracy and precision.
See how OptiSpray technology can enhance your LC-MS workflows
Simplicity for LC-MS users
Plug-and-play setup and cartridge installation helps eliminate the challenge of manual setup.
“Our LC-MS systems are more approachable thanks to OptiSpray technology. Our researchers benefit from its intuitive design, enabling them to quickly produce robust proteomics results without extensive training or complex troubleshooting. This ion source is a critical innovation towards making proteomics more accessible for a wider range of laboratories.”
Ryan Lieb, Ph.D.
Director, Stanford University Mass Spectrometry
Performance for deep, reproducible coverage
Automated emitter position optimization yields reproducible, high-quality results.
“In my view, OptiSpray technology is a game-changer. For decades, nano-LC-MS has been essential for ultra-sensitive protein analysis, yet its broad adoption in quantification has been limited by serious concerns on reproducibility and robustness. With OptiSpray technology, we’ve seen exceptional run-to-run reproducibility across thousands of biological samples, performance we’ve never observed on other platforms, which is critical for clinical and pharmaceutical research.”
Jun Qu, Ph.D.
Professor, University at Buffalo
Deep proteome coverage and high quantitative precision for a 25-min gradient using an Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral Mass Spectrometer, Thermo Scientific Vanquish Neo UHPLC System, and Thermo Scientific OptiSpray µPAC Neo 50 cm Cartridge Column compared with a Thermo Scientific EASY-Spray compatible third party pulled-emitter 75 µm x 25 cm column (n=3).
Reliability across columns, users, and LC-MS instruments
Exchangeable emitters, integrated sheath gas, and an inactive spray position between injections enhance robustness, quantitative precision, and reproducibility.
“OptiSpray technology democratizes electrospray ionization by eliminating the skill gap in emitter positioning, enabling routine users to achieve performance comparable to experienced mass spectrometrists.”
Thomas Conrads, Ph.D.
Director of Women’s Health Research, Inova Women’s Service Line
Long-term robustness and intercolumn reproducibility for 200 ng HeLa digest injections averaged across five Thermo Scientific OptiSpray µPAC Neo HT Cartridges (10,000 total injections) on a Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 480 Mass Spectrometer.
Combined PRTC peptide peak area precision across 1,000 injections using three Thermo Scientific OptiSpray PepMap Neo 75 µm ID x 15 cm Cartridges (3,000 total injections).
Meet the OptiSpray technology product family
Our OptiSpray family of products includes an ion source, cartridge columns, emitters, and accessories.
OptiSpray Ion Source
Making LC-MS more approachable
The Thermo Scientific OptiSpray Ion Source is an all-in-one ESI source for mass spectrometer calibration, compound optimization, and data acquisition at capillary and nano LC flow rates that combine automated setup and optimization with state-of-the-art performance.
Features of the OptiSpray Ion Source
- Easy to install cartridge columns with a flip of the handle for up to 1,500 bar leak-free, reproducible connections.
- The ion source integrates with your nano LC system via Thermo Scientific nanoViper Fingertight Fittings and supports automated leak testing.
- Multiple optimization modes eliminate tedious manual emitter positioning, boosting sensitivity, quantitative precision, and result reproducibility.
- A dedicated FAIMS interface optimization routine ensures optimal and reproducible signal.
Peace of mind through green and white light visualization of electrospray and sensitive measurement of spray current stability.
The OptiSpray ion source slides the emitter to an inactive spray position away from the MS inlet during column washing, keeping your mass spectrometer cleaner for longer.
OptiSpray cartridge columns
Reliable capillary and nano LC columns
Thermo Scientific OptiSpray Cartridge Columns provide robust and reproducible separations for your high-sensitivity LC-MS workflows. Cartridge columns are available in multiple phases and dimensions, including Thermo Scientific PepMap Neo and µPAC Neo C18 Columns.
Features of OptiSpray cartridge columns
Automatic fluidic, gas, and electrical connections upon cartridge installation, improving performance, reproducibility, and robustness.
Extended column lifetime from hundreds to thousands of samples with replaceable emitters tailored to both high-sensitivity nano-flow and highly robust capillary-flow.
Improved spray stability and quantitative precision for capillary-flow methods.
Memory stores cartridge properties, usage data, and previous source settings to get you up and running fast when switching cartridges.
The infusion cartridge provides simple mass spectrometer calibration and direct infusion while the source diagnostic cartridge supports intuitive diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Get reproducible, high-quality LC-MS results
Interested in learning more about our OptiSpray technology product line? Visit our page to find detailed specifications and compatible capillary and nano-LC columns today.
Frequently asked questions
OptiSpray technology consists of two parts—the OptiSpray ion source and OptiSpray cartridge columns. These two pieces combine to deliver a plug-and-play solution for high-sensitivity capillary and nano LC-MS workflows including proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics as well as translational research and targeted assays.
OptiSpray technology offers several advantages compared with EASY-Spray sources including, but not limited to:
- Eliminating manual LC column connections, which simplifies the use of capillary LC and nano LC (nLC) columns.
- Automated emitter positioning finds the optimal ESI signal for higher sensitivity and reproducibility between columns, days, users, and LC-MS systems.
- Exchangeable ESI emitters, so your column isn’t lost when the emitter clogs.
OptiSpray technology is advantageous for a wide range of reversed-phase LC-MS applications that require high-sensitivity including (but not limited to) all proteomics applications, metabolomics, lipidomics, and a range of other peptide and small molecule targeted applications.
OptiSpray technology is compatible with many Thermo Scientific mass spectrometers including:
- Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral Mass Spectrometers
- Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Tribrid Mass Spectrometers
- Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Excedion/Excedion Pro Mass Spectrometers
- Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris Mass Spectrometers
- Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer
- Thermo Scientific TSQ Altis Plus, TSQ Quantis Plus, and TSQ Certis Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers
Our general purpose product lines, including LC-MS products, are not intended for in vitro diagnostic purposes in accordance with our product documentation, manuals, and labels. They are designated for General Laboratory Use Only.
Our general purpose product lines have not been tested or validated for such applications and their use for in vitro diagnostic purposes may result in health and safety risks. They are designated for Research Use Only Applications.
For Research Use Only - Not For Use In Diagnostic Procedures.