This FREE and live IonOpticks Insights Webinar by Dr Tim Heymann explores what becomes possible when cutting-edge mass spectrometry is paired with optimised chromatographic separations.
ON DEMAND
SPEC meets zero dead volume: maximising nano-flow proteomics with Aurora Series columns
Fresh from presenting at US HUPO 2026, Dr Tim Heymann joined IonOpticks to share insights from his latest work exploring what becomes possible when cutting-edge mass spectrometry is paired with optimised separations. This webinar highlights recent advances in ultra-sensitive proteomics workflows, including approaches that enable efficient sample preparation, exceptional sample purity, and high-performance LC-MS analysis across challenging applications such as single-cell and low-input proteomics.
Tim presents real data from recent research combining Thermo Scientific’s Orbitrap Astral, SCIEX’s ZenoTOF 8600, and IonOpticks’ Aurora Series columns, demonstrating how thoughtful platform pairing can simplify experimental workflows while pushing performance forward.
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Abstract
SPEC meets zero dead volume: maximising nano-flow proteomics with Aurora Series columnsSolid Phase Extraction and Capture (SPEC) is a miniaturised sample preparation method that confines proteins and enzymes to a 200 nL reaction volume, enabling efficient clean-up and digestion with high sample recovery and purity. Its detergent compatibility and scalability to low-nanogram inputs make SPEC ideally suited for demanding applications including single-cell proteomics and Deep Visual Proteomics. The exceptional sample purity achieved by SPEC further enables nanoPhos, a nanogram-scale phosphopeptide enrichment workflow that delivers comprehensive phosphoproteome coverage from sorted cells and laser-microdissected tissue shapes. Paired with IonOpticks packed emitter columns, whose minimal post-column dead volume maximises sensitivity in nano-flow LC-MS, we demonstrate performance across DIA, single-cell, targeted, phosphoproteomics, and glycoproteomics applications on ZenoTOF 8600 and Orbitrap Astral Zoom systems.
About the presenter
Dr Tim HeymannTim Heymann, PhD, is the Mass Spectrometry Specialist in the Mann Laboratory at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry (MPIB), where he supports high performance proteomics workflows within one of the world’s leading centers for mass spectrometry based proteomic innovation.
Working within the Proteomics and Signal Transduction Department led by Prof. Matthias Mann-a globally recognised pioneer in quantitative proteomics-the lab develops and applies advanced methodologies spanning high sensitivity MS, data independent acquisition (DIA), computational proteomics, and single cell and spatial proteomics.
Tim’s responsibilities include optimising mass spectrometric acquisition strategies, supporting method development for ultra sensitive proteome profiling, and enabling data rich investigations into cellular signaling networks, biomarker discovery, and disease associated proteoform dynamics. His technical contributions align with the Mann lab’s broader mission to push the boundaries of proteomic depth, quantification accuracy, and clinical applicability.
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