Bruker Unveils timsMetabo™: Revolutionizing 4D-Metabolomics and 4D-Lipidomics with Unmatched Sensitivity and AI-Driven Insights
At the 73rd Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics (ASMS), Bruker Corporation (Nasdaq: BRKR) introduced the timsMetabo™, a groundbreaking mass spectrometer designed to redefine small molecule analysis in metabolomics and lipidomics. This next-generation system combines unparalleled sensitivity, specificity, and scalability, enabling researchers to achieve breakthrough discoveries in complex biological samples. With its innovative Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TIMS) technology and advanced features like Mobility Range Enhancement (MoRE), the timsMetabo™ sets a new standard for confidence, speed, and depth in 4D-Metabolomics and 4D-Lipidomics research.
Game-Changing Sensitivity and Specificity
The timsMetabo™ leverages TIMS-enabled separations and collision cross-section (CCS) measurements at scale to deliver exceptional performance in small molecule analysis. By integrating MoRE technology, the system expands its mass-to-charge (m/z) and mobility ranges, enhancing ion capacity and enabling more comprehensive analyses. Coupled with a high-precision quadrupole and the revolutionary Athena Ion Processor (AIP), the timsMetabo™ ensures cleaner, less-chimeric MS/MS acquisitions at rates up to 300 Hz, making it ideal for targeted quantitative studies.
One of the standout features of the timsMetabo™ is its ability to resolve isomers, isobars, and interferences in real-time through its unique gas-phase CCS ion separation capability. This results in highly selective MS1-based quantification, even in complex mixtures. Researchers can now achieve deeper insights into metabolic pathways and lipid profiles with unprecedented confidence and reproducibility.
Introducing the ‘Digital Metabolome Archive’
The timsMetabo™ system generates a ‘digital metabolome archive’ for every sample, capturing both qualitative and quantitative data with unparalleled precision. This archive serves as a foundation for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications, allowing researchers to scale their analyses and uncover novel metabolic signatures. The integration of TIMS-enabled CCS values ensures consistent and reproducible molecular characterization, empowering labs to explore unknown metabolites and lipid structures with greater accuracy.
Dr. Frédéric Vaz, Associate Professor and Head of the Core Facility Metabolomics (CFM) at the University of Amsterdam Medical Center, praised the system’s versatility: “The timsMetabo uniquely combines sensitivity and selectivity, facilitating measurement of known biomarkers while also enabling exploration of new metabolic signatures in research on inborn errors of metabolism. This single instrument accelerates our understanding of human metabolism from a clinical perspective, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.”
Advancing Bile Acid Research and Beyond
Bile acids are critical molecules involved in nutrient transport, immune regulation, and disease response. The timsMetabo™ is poised to unlock the hidden complexity of this diverse class of molecules, thanks to its ability to perform ion mobility separations enhanced by reproducible CCS values at scale.
Prof. Pieter Dorrestein of the University of San Diego highlighted the system’s potential: “Thousands of distinct bile acid structures, including newly discovered microbially modified forms, are now being revealed. The technology within the timsMetabo will help us better understand this biologically important class of molecules routinely, at speed and scale—a truly exciting combination.”
Comprehensive Quality Control with QSee™ and TwinScape™
To ensure consistent performance and long-term monitoring, Bruker has launched the QSee™ quality control suite alongside the timsMetabo™. This innovative solution includes software and reference materials for automated evaluation of instrument performance. In partnership with Polymer Factory Sweden AB, Bruker extended the SpheriCal® platform to include the QSee 8-mix, which assesses chromatographic and mass spectrometry performance. Data is archived and monitored via the cloud-based TwinScape™ software, enabling seamless comparison across time.
Dr. Christoph Trautwein, Director of the Core Facility Metabolomics at the University of Tübingen, shared his experience: “By integrating QSee Performance Testing into our lab routine, we’re conveniently benchmarking our LC-TIMS-MS system before each experiment. The intuitive workflow provides assurance and peace of mind that we’re consistently producing high-quality quantitative data. It’s truly a QC game-changer for our metabolomics lab.”
Bruker’s TASQ® RealTimeQC capabilities have also been enhanced, offering improved data visualization, including LC system pressure monitoring. Professor Thomas Moritz of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research noted: “Bruker’s commitment to making data quality information immediately accessible is evident with TASQ RealTimeQC. Their solution provides assurance when it matters most, helping us make informed decisions during analysis.”
A Commitment to Innovation
The launch of the timsMetabo™ underscores Bruker’s dedication to advancing metabolomics and lipidomics research. Dr. Matthew Lewis, VP of Metabolomics and Lipidomics at Bruker, emphasized the company’s customer-centric approach: “The timsMetabo represents a step-change in 4D-Metabolomics and 4D-Lipidomics. By listening to our customers’ needs, we’ve delivered unique features in data analysis, automated metabolite annotation, and informed quality monitoring. This innovation elevates the hands-on experience for researchers worldwide.”
Why Choose the timsMetabo™?
For researchers seeking unmatched sensitivity, specificity, and scalability in metabolomics and lipidomics, the timsMetabo™ is the ultimate solution. Its cutting-edge technologies—such as MoRE, AIP, and QSee™—enable confident analysis of complex biological samples, while the digital metabolome archive supports AI-driven discoveries. With support for HESI and CSI ion sources and compatibility with analytical, microflow, and nanoflow HPLC systems, the timsMetabo™ is a versatile tool for any laboratory.
Whether you’re exploring bile acids, studying metabolic disorders, or developing new therapeutics, the timsMetabo™ empowers you to achieve your goals faster, deeper, and at scale.
