Protein research, diagnostics, and analytics rely heavily on the detection, identification, and analysis of macromolecules. Mass spectrometry, a commonly used detection system, helps separate charged particles (ions) and provides valuable information about the composition of a sample. However, conventional detectors have limitations in detecting particles with low-impact energy.
An international research team, led by quantum physicist Markus Arndt from the University of Vienna, has achieved a significant breakthrough in protein ion detection. Their study, published in the journal Science Advances, demonstrates the use of superconducting nanowire detectors, which offer almost 100% quantum efficiency and exceed the detection efficiency of conventional detectors by up to a factor of 1,000. These nanowire detectors can also distinguish macromolecules based on their impact energy, providing more sensitive detection of proteins and additional information in mass spectrometry.
Superconducting nanowires, unlike conventional detectors, can identify particles with low kinetic energy. This capability is due to the special material property of superconductivity exhibited by the nanowire detectors. At very low temperatures, nanowires enter a superconducting state, losing their electrical resistance and allowing lossless current flow. Excitation of the nanowires by incoming ions causes a transition from the superconducting to the normal conducting state, resulting in a change in electrical properties that can be interpreted as a detection signal.
The remarkable quantum yield of nanowire detectors at low impact energies allows them to outperform conventional ion detectors by up to three orders of magnitude. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for mass spectrometry, molecular spectroscopy, molecular deflectometry, and quantum interferometry of molecules. These applications require high efficiency and good resolution, especially at low impact energy.
Adapting a mass spectrometer with a quantum sensor, such as the nanowire detector, not only improves the detection of molecules based on their mass-to-charge state but also enables classification according to their kinetic energy. This enhancement in detection and classification further improves the spatial resolution of the analysis. Superconducting nanowire detectors offer the potential for better spatial resolution, making them valuable tools in various fields of research and analysis.
The successful implementation of superconducting nanowire detectors in protein ion detection was made possible by a European consortium. Coordinated by the University of Vienna, the consortium includes partners from Delft (Single Quantum), Lausanne (EPFL), Almere (MSVision), and Basel (University). Their collaborative efforts demonstrate the effectiveness of these detectors in quadrupole mass spectrometry, a widely used technique for separating and analyzing ions.
With their high energy sensitivity and superior detection efficiency, superconducting nanowire detectors have expanded the realm of possibilities in protein research, diagnostics, and analytics. Their ability to detect and classify ions based on impact energy provides valuable insights into the composition of samples. The breakthrough achieved by Markus Arndt and his research team opens up new avenues in mass spectrometry and molecular analysis, driven by the quantum capabilities of nanowire detectors.
The integration of superconducting nanowire detectors in protein ion detection represents a significant advancement in the field. These detectors offer improved sensitivity, detection efficiency, and spatial resolution, revolutionizing the capabilities of conventional detectors. As research and technology continue to evolve, the use of nanowire detectors in various applications will undoubtedly lead to further breakthroughs in the life sciences and beyond.
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