Mass Dynamics Blog

ASMS 2024: The rise of Automation and AI-Driven Raw MS Data Processing Solutions

Written by A/Prof Andrew Webb, Ph.D | June 19, 2024 at 5:53 AM

 

The recent American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) annual meeting in Anaheim, California, showcased an impressive array of new instrument launches and software advancements, underscoring the rapid pace of innovation in the field of mass spectrometry. This event highlighted the growing trend towards more automated and AI-driven raw MS data processing solutions, which aligns closely with the evolving demands of our customers at Mass Dynamics.

This year's ASMS saw several significant instrument updates and launches. Bruker introduced the TimsTOF Ultra 2, emphasizing its exceptional sensitivity for analyzing small cellular components. Waters unveiled the Xevo MRT, boasting high resolution and accuracy. Thermo Fisher Scientific launched the Stellar MS, a quadrupole-linear ion trap instrument designed for highly multiplexed targeted analyses. The Stellar MS has already sparked murmurs within the community as a potential "triple quad killer," indicating a shift in how targeted quantification might be approached.

Other notable introductions included Sciex’s 7500+ triple quadrupole mass spec, capable of 800 multiple-reaction monitoring measurements per second, and Shimadzu’s LCMS RX Triple Quadrupole series, catering to varying sensitivity requirements. Additionally, Bruker launched the Neoflex Imaging Profiler, while Thermo Fisher introduced specialized versions of the Orbitrap Ascend Tribrid mass spectrometer for diverse applications.

Biognosys and PreOmics made significant strides in the plasma proteome enrichment space with new products that enhance protein detection without time-consuming steps like protein depletion. These advancements position them as economical alternatives to existing solutions, such as Seer's Proteograph platform, which remains a leader in proteome coverage.

One particularly exciting trend highlighted at the ASMS meeting was the rise of advanced software solutions to automate and enhance raw data processing in mass spectrometry. Chaparral Labs introduced a rapid cloud and /browser-based search engine, making raw proteomics data processing more accessible and faster. Matterworks launched new AI-based feature detection and quantification software, promising to revolutionize how scientists process mass spectrometry data. Additionally, both Biognosys and MSAID unveiled new cloud-based computing platforms designed to accelerate the automation of raw data searching, reducing the manual workload by leveraging machine intelligence capabilities.

At Mass Dynamics, we're excited to see these advancements within the mass spectrometry ecosystem, as each aligns with our bigger vision of enabling millions of life scientists to have better access to mass spectrometry and proteomics technologies.

This blog post was produced by Assoc. Prof. Andrew Webb using a combination of original notes from discussions and insights collected from attendees during ASMS. Final compilation was completed with assistance from ChatGPT. Any errors or omissions are unintentional, and the content is provided for informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employers, organization, committees or other group or individual