Thermo Fisher Isora Brings Isotope Insight to More Labs

Thermo Fisher Scientific has expanded the capabilities of its Orbitrap mass spectrometry technology with the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Isora Mass Spectrometer and Orbitrap Isora Pro Mass Spectrometer. These instruments are the company’s first Orbitrap systems equipped with a dedicated isotope-ratio analysis mode, giving researchers a way to investigate the molecular origin and history of samples while retaining detailed structural information.

Rather than requiring samples to be converted into simple gases, the Orbitrap Isora workflow measures isotope ratios directly from intact molecular ions. This approach can provide additional molecular context and enables several isotopologues to be examined within a single analysis. Thermo Fisher positions the technology as complementary to conventional isotope-ratio mass spectrometry rather than as a replacement.

A Complete Workflow for Isotope Investigation

The system combines the Orbitrap Isora MS or Orbitrap Isora Pro MS, the Vanquish Duo UHPLC System, and Isotope Discoverer Software into an integrated analytical workflow. The mass spectrometers use electrospray ionization (ESI) with high-resolution accurate-mass (HRAM) detection to measure isotopologues and isotope ratios from intact molecular ions.

The standard Orbitrap Isora MS provides maximum resolution of up to 240,000 at m/z 200, while the Orbitrap Isora Pro MS increases maximum resolution to 480,000 at m/z 200. The accompanying UHPLC system automates sample and reference-material introduction, while Isotope Discoverer Software handles processes including isotope-ratio extraction, filtering, correction, calibration and reporting.

Key Features

◆ Dedicated isotope-ratio analysis mode built into the Orbitrap platform

◆ Up to 240K maximum resolution at m/z 200 with Orbitrap Isora MS

◆ Up to 480K maximum resolution at m/z 200 with Orbitrap Isora Pro MS

◆ ESI and HRAM detection for analyzing isotope ratios from intact molecular ions

◆ Multiple isotopes captured in a single run, supporting more detailed sample investigation

◆ Vanquish Duo UHPLC integration automates sample and reference-material introduction

◆ Isotope Discoverer Software integrates data extraction, filtering, corrections, calibration and reporting

◆ The integrated workflow can reduce analytical processing that previously took days to results in hours.

Applications Across Scientific Research

✦ Environmental Science: Researchers can investigate pollution sources and study how contaminants such as PFAS move through water, soil and food systems.

✦ Geoscience and Climatology: Isotope information can help researchers study historical oxygen conditions, microbial activity and other information preserved within geological records.

✦ Bioscience and Metabolism: Molecular isotope measurements can provide insight into how nutrients and metabolites are transformed, supporting studies in nutrition, metabolic research and drug development.

✦ Food Authenticity: The technology can assist in distinguishing natural and synthetic ingredients and investigating whether food and beverage products correspond with their stated origin or composition.

✦ Archaeology and Biogeochemistry: Detailed isotope information can provide additional evidence when investigating historical materials and biological or geological processes.

Turning Isotope Data Into Molecular Context

A major advantage of the Orbitrap Isora approach is its ability to connect isotope information with specific molecules. Traditional isotope-ratio techniques commonly require conversion of the sample into a simpler gas before measurement. By analyzing intact molecular ions, the Orbitrap-based workflow retains more structural context and opens additional possibilities for researchers investigating the source and transformation history of compounds.

Conclusion

The Orbitrap Isora MS and Orbitrap Isora Pro MS extend Orbitrap technology into dedicated molecular isotope-ratio analysis. Combined with automated UHPLC sample handling and integrated isotope-analysis software, the workflow can make sophisticated isotope studies more practical for laboratories working across environmental science, geology, bioscience, metabolism, food authenticity and related research fields.