Hankinnan kuvaus
When evaluating offered LC-MS/MS systems, the mass spectrometer performance in the indicated purpose of use (lipid mediator analysis) is the most important criterium. Only new (no demo) equipment can be offered, which applies for all items included.
1) Mass spectrometer requirements are:
(a) Simultaneous
(i) scheduled collection of ultimate sensitivity quantitative MRM (Multiple Reaction Monitoring) data (for lipid mediator quantification); and
(ii) MRM information dependent acquisition of sensitive full scan MS/MS spectral data (with high spectrum intensity, obtained by trapping and concentrating of fragment ions and scanning them out fast, which is required to confidently confirm very low-concentration lipid mediator structures). Thus, in addition to targeted quantitation, the instrument needs to provide structure confirmation of the quantified analytes based on complete high-quality product ion spectra covering the full mass range and from the same one injection and LC-MS/MS acquisition.
(b) Sensitive detection with (lower) limit of quantification (L)LOQ of 0.05 ‒ 1 ng/mL for different lipid mediator species, in general, and with (L)LOQ 0.1 ng/mL or limit of detection (LOD, in matrix) 0.1 pg for the SPMs (resolvins) RvD1 or RvD3, and RvE1 (or lower values). You are requested to attach to your tender as reference three (3) published peer-reviewed research articles confirming that this level of sensitivity has been achieved by researchers for the above-mentioned analytes with the offered MS/MS equipment or older models of the same equipment of the Supplier. By references evidenced ultimate detection sensitivity for the above mentioned resolvins, lower than the (L)LOQ 0.1 ng/mL or LOD (this latter in matrix) 0.1 pg is acknowledged when evaluating quality.
(c) Fast switching between the negative and positive ion mode detection in single injection and one LC-MS/MS acquisition.
These minimum requirements (1a, b, c) rule out triple quadrupole mass spectrometers that do not also have the ion trapping capabilities, required for the ultimate sensitivity SPM detection and high-quality full scan product ion MS/MS spectra. Possibility for true MS3 (i.e. MS/MS/MS) and MRM3 scanning is regarded beneficial when evaluating quality.
2) UHPLC (ultra high pressure liquid chromatograph) system minimum requirements are, that it consists of an autosampler with sample cooling capability, a column oven, a degassing system and a solvent bottle container. The system shall be fully compatible with and fully remotely controllable by the mass spectrometer computer software. Maximum injection volume of the autosampler should be at least 40 μL.
UHPLC quality assessment criteria are listed in other terms and conditions.
Minimum requirements include also (3-6):
3) Computer with adequate processing power and all modern data transfer capabilities. Large monitor and keyboard.
4) One license for the instrument control and data acquisition software and several licenses for the data processing software required for the quantitative and qualitative analyses of the lipid mediators.
5) Transportation to customer’s laboratory and installation therein, including acceptance test on site. The requirements for the site of installation should be specified.
6) Appropriate spare parts.
Following items are quested to be offered as option (7-9):
7) Extended warranty for additional years (extending the standard 24-month warranty of the new LC-MS/MS system) (option).
8) Bench for the LC-MS/MS system (rough pumps inside; soundproofed) (option). Please, specify the dimensions, since laboratory space is limited.
9) Software packages for lipidomics or metabolomics (option).