Quantitative bioanalysis of small and large molecules by high-resolution MS

Mass spectrometers are used for a variety of scientific approaches and play a major role in modern drug development due to their sensitivity and selectivity. They provide time and cost-efficient tools for the generation of high-quality data. Today, the selected/multiple reaction monitoring experiments conducted on triple quadrupole instruments are still the most commonly used approaches in quantitative bioanalysis. However, as foreseen by many, this situation is now changing due to the commercial availability of robust, fast, accurate and sensitive high-resolution mass spectrometers such as TOF and Orbitrap™ (ThermoScientific CA, USA) [1–4]. This chapter describes some applications of high-resolution MS instruments for quantification of both small and large molecules and contrasts the results of standard triple quadrupole assays. The focus will also be made on how this novel instrumentation will fit in the regulated bioanalysis environment in the future.