A new tool from Thermo Fisher Scientific promises precise quantitation in proteomics laboratories with faster throughput, deeper coverage and higher sensitivity than the current state-of-the-art technology. The Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer combines fast throughput, high sensitivity and deep proteome coverage to help researchers uncover proteins that previously evaded detection and make efficient breakthrough pharmaceutical and diagnostics discoveries.

The new analyzer builds on the proven Orbitrap mass spectrometry platform with novel technology to deliver up to two times deeper proteome coverage and up to four times more throughput compared to current mass spectrometers. Three mass analyzers combine to yield new insights into biology and diseaseSource: Thermo Fisher Scientific mechanisms: a quadrupole mass analyzer for high selectivity and high ion transmission, an Orbitrap mass analyzer for high dynamic range and high-resolution measurements, and the Astral analyzer for fast and sensitive measurements.

The spectrometer enables analysis of 180 samples per day at a depth of over 8,000 protein groups per sample. That translates to over 1.4 million protein group data points measured in a single day, achieved with a high throughput injection-to-injection cycle of just 8 minutes. The analyzer can also identify over 5,000 proteins from a single-cell equivalent input and accurately quantify proteins with just a few hundred copies in bulk samples.