The Systems Mass Spectrometry Core (SyMS-C) at the Georgia Institute of Technology proudly announces the acquisition and installation of a cutting-edge Bruker timsTOF HT mass spectrometer integrated with a nanoElute2 liquid chromatography system. This transformative addition, funded by a prestigious S10 Shared Instrumentation Grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and led by Matthew Torres, associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences, reinforces Georgia Tech’s leadership in pioneering proteomics research.

The timsTOF HT is a next-generation mass spectrometer that combines trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) with high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight (qTOF) mass analysis to dramatically improve sensitivity, specificity, and throughput. Unlike traditional mass spectrometers, it uses dual TIMS funnels to separate ions by size-to-charge (rather than only mass-to-charge), enabling an added dimension of separation for complex biological samples. The system employs a method called PASEF (Parallel Accumulation–Serial Fragmentation), which synchronizes ion separation, isolation, and fragmentation to dramatically boost speed and depth of proteome coverage. TIMS also distinguishes between isobaric species—such as phosphopeptide positional isomers or structural isomers—that are indistinguishable by standard mass spectrometry alone. Because it stores and organizes ions rather than filtering them destructively, the timsTOF HT is especially well suited for sensitive and high-throughput omics applications, including plasma and tissue proteomics. As a result, it represents a transformative platform for biological discovery across a wide range of research areas.

Funded by the NIH S10 grant, this acquisition empowers the SyMS-C to support a wide range of research initiatives across Georgia Tech and its collaborative partners. The timsTOF HT’s advanced capabilities, including dia-PASEF® and prm-PASEF® acquisition modes, will accelerate discoveries in biomarker identification, single-cell proteomics, and multiomics applications, addressing critical challenges in understanding disease mechanisms and developing novel diagnostics and therapies. 

“We are thrilled to integrate the Bruker timsTOF HT and nanoElute2 into our Systems Mass Spectrometry Core,” said Rakesh Singh, director of the proteomics services at SyMS-C. “This advanced platform will enable our researchers to push the boundaries of proteomics, providing deeper insights into cellular mechanisms and supporting transformative biomedical research. We are deeply grateful to the NIH for their support through the S10 grant, which makes this cutting-edge technology accessible to our scientific community.” 

The installation of the timsTOF HT and nanoElute2 systems enhances the ability of SyMS-C to serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research, offering access to faculty, students, and external collaborators, including those within the Georgia Research Alliance and regional academic and clinical institutions. The core facility will provide technical expertise, consultation, and data analysis support to ensure researchers can fully leverage the system’s capabilities. The SyMS-C anticipates that the new instrumentation will drive high-impact research, contributing to breakthroughs in personalized medicine, cancer research, and neurodegenerative disease studies. For more information about the Systems Mass Spectrometry Core or to inquire about access to the Bruker timsTOF HT and nanoElute2 systems, please contact Rakesh Singh.