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Shining a high-resolution ion mobility light on PFAS dark matter for forensic fingerprinting

MOBILion Systems
25 Oct 2023

In this application note, MOBILion Systems, Inc. explores the challenges posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals,' due to their elusive nature and limited detection methods. The concept of PFAS 'dark matter' refers to compounds undetectable by conventional techniques, leading to gaps in our understanding. The note introduces forensic fingerprint analysis as a promising tool, utilizing high-resolution ion mobility (HRIM) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to shed light on PFAS distribution, impact, and mitigation. By integrating HRIM with existing liquid chromatography methods, this approach can identify branched isomers and provide a more comprehensive understanding of these persistent compounds. The study successfully resolved 11 isomers, including previously unresolvable compounds, highlighting the potential of HRIM in enhancing PFAS analysis.

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MOBILion Systems

MOBILion Systems is disrupting the separations game, enhancing the way we characterize biotherapeutics and identify biomarkers. Leveraging a 13-meter ion mobility path length to provide deeper level characterization without compromising time, our best-in-class SLIM-based High-Resolution Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry (HRIM-MS) platforms separate and identify molecules that current platforms fail to detect with faster analysis and simpler workflows.

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