Book review

Mass spectrometry: A textbook By Jürgen H. Gross. Pp. 518. Springer-Verlag. 2004. Price £46.00 (Hardcover). ISBN: 3540407391

In the opening pages, the author notes his intent to construct the ideal mass spectrometry textbook as, in his opinion, the perfect text was still missing. With the increasing diversity of mass spectrometric application, the use demographic, and the crossover between core disciplines, this task could be more difficult than in the past, where the use of mass spectrometry was slightly more select. Similarly, to pitch a comprehensive text at new users and retain utility is equally challenging.

In many ways, especially at first glance, this book appears to offer a similar overall structure to many other mass spectrometry textbooks, with a familiar chapter layout (ionisation theory, instrumentation, mass analysers, ion sources and inlet types). It should be noted that the book deals with mass spectrometry only and touches very briefly on hyphenated chromatographic MS techniques. However, where a great deal of past texts fall either into the category of classic textbook or practical user guide, it is clear that the author makes a solid effort to provide a structured approach to mass spectrometry theory, along with a current, practical review of modern mass spectrometric techniques and instrumentation. Theory is concise and plentiful but is balanced by many technical notes and considerations, giving a practical context often lacking in other books. Considerable effort is made to eradicate redundancies and adhere, where possible, to strict SI terms.

The first chapter deals with basic definitions and eradicates the “black box” approach, in order to make new users more comfortable. A stepwise progression, beginning with gas-phase ion chemistry and ionisation theory, is logical and detailed. These chapters deal predominantly with electron ionisation, providing a practical account in terms of ion lifetime, transmission and acquisition. Technical notes should allow novice users to explain commonly occurring phenomena with confidence and gain greater understanding. Clear, concise analogies exist to help understand, but not over-simplify, key aspects.

The author has put much emphasis on practical consideration of the subject matter, in terms of data interpretation in a laboratory situation. The third chapter deals with basic use of isotopic patterns and their interpretation for potential empirical formulae, along with common errors. Mass spectrometric resolution is explained in the context of mass analyser type, as well as high resolution and exact-mass determination being effectively decoupled. Realistic expectations of modern instrumentation are given, in terms of accurate mass measurement and calibration. Although the author favours milli-mass-units (mmu), rather than parts-per-million (ppm), for stating mass measurement errors, examples are clear and well written.

A detailed account of instrumentation is provided. Classic mass analysers, including time-of-flight (TOF), sector, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) and quadrupole ion trap (QIT) instruments are covered, as well as emerging (e.g., linear quadrupole ion traps (LIT)) and hybrid instrumentation. Sensibly, analysers are dealt with independently of ion source or inlet, as the possible permutations are numerous. The utility of each analyser is discussed, plus peripheral technology and considerations for instrument purchase.

Electron ionisation (EI) is covered in great detail, showing its applicability and history, together with sample introduction and ion source technology. This forms a logical progression towards fragmentation and spectral interpretation, which is an extensive section containing useful rules and interpretive processes. Chemical ionisation (CI) is covered adequately. Other ionisation techniques are described, including fast atom bombardment (FAB), laser desorption ionisation (LDI) and matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI). Extensive coverage of FAB might be questioned, due to the lack of commercialised use of this technique, but this acts as a springboard for LDI topics that follow. The coverage of MALDI is both detailed and reflective of its resurgence, current key references and applications are detailed, and there is a section on atmospheric pressure MALDI (AP/MALDI). Electrospray ionisation (ESI) is dealt with adequately, for both small and large molecules, along with nano-ESI and commercial API source geometries. Use is made of real-world examples such as metabolite quantification using isotope dilution LC-MS. Finally, instead of testing the reader with the usual Q&A section or Appendix, the author has transferred structured questions to a free-to-all website, which allows devotion to the key text.

In summary, this textbook would serve as a worthy companion to the new and experienced user alike, spanning small and large molecule applications, as both a technical aid and reference volume. The quality of the text, examples and figures are excellent: they are clear and flow easily. The few spelling or grammatical errors noted are at worst minor and not detractive. The dedication of the author, in use of consistent terminology and producing a relevant, up-to-date mass spectrometry text, should be commended.

Daniel J. Weston

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Centre,

Nottingham Trent University, UK

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