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Science and technology have gradually led to the development of techniques that have changed our lives. Science technologies have laid the path for ground-breaking discoveries. One such technology is the Mass Spectrometry.
Mass Spectrometry is a method of chemical detection that has played significant roles in the fields of science. The application of Mass Spectrometry can be seen in Proteomics, Metabolomics, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Research, Forensics, Toxicology, and many more.
Since mass spectrometry plays a brief role in many scientific domains, hence it is recommended to read the best books on mass spectrometry for technical scientists.
Here is a list of 15 best Mass Spectrometry books for biologists looking for contributing to massive research work.
The Best Mass Spectrometry Books Recommended to Read
Out of so many outstanding textbooks available on mass spectrometry, I would recommend you to read the following books for a clear cut understanding of the technique.
- For a brief introduction and methods, you can read these books- Introduction to Mass Spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry: Principles and Applications
- For details on mass spectrometry in-depth, you can rely on these books-Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry of Proteins and Peptides: Methods and Protocols
- If you wish to gain some hands-on experience and practical knowledge on the steps to perform mass spectrometry, then read these books- Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
- For specialized books on different domains, read these-Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis in Proteomics and Advances in Forensic Applications of Mass Spectrometry.
1. Introduction to Mass Spectrometry
Introduction to Mass Spectrometry: Instrumentation, Applications, and Strategy for Data Interpretation is authored by J Throck Watson and O David Sparkman.
It has been written comprehensively for systematic descriptions on several types of instruments and ionization techniques along with strategies of data interpretation.
The book is one of the most detailed books on mass spectrometry so far. The presentation of the book is lucid. It discusses the recent advances in the mass spectrometry technique.
Both the writers are experts in the field and have beautifully captured the real-life examples of analysis and applications. The real-life cases for both qualitative and quantitative applications of spectrometry are covered.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- For the details on mass spectrometry studies and the working of the instrument, this book is highly recommended.
- The book includes a brief history of the development of the spectrometry technique.
- The book is well-organized and divided into various sections.
- The text is easy to read, and the language is understandable.
- It includes general information on mass spectrometry techniques and delivers an introductory level of content.
- Undergraduate students can go through the book for an overall view of the mass spectrometry-based topics.
- Researches belonging to the disciplines of Pharmaceuticals, Biomedical, and Environmental Analysis can use the book
Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate
2. Mass Spectrometry: Principles and Applications
Mass Spectrometry: Principles and Applications written by Edmond Hoffman and Vincent Stroobant is a highly acclaimed book by readers on spectrometry and techniques.
The book is an overview of the applications and theories of the principles associated with mass spectrometry. Instruments play a vital role in obtaining optimum results. Hence, all-instrumental aspects are clearly and briefly described. The components-sources, analysers, and detectors for mass spectrometry have been outlined in detail.
Particular focus has been paid to the optimum utilization conditions. Various patterns for fragmentation are discussed along with analytical information that comes from the mass spectra.
Several examples of references and exercise questions are given at the end of the chapter for clearing the concepts.
The weighty topics such as increased coverage of MALDI and ESI are given in detail. The time of flight spectrometers, the applications of mass spectrometry, and new material on isotope ratio mass spectrometry are also highlighted briefly.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The initial chapters of the book includes the basic tandem mass spectrometry methods, and the later chapters include the details.
- The book is revised and has up-to-date information with a contemporary look
- It is a significant source of information for all undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- This includes the latest techniques and development in the field
- Written in a comprehensive style with relevant and real-life examples
- Researchers belonging to the field of medicine, pharmacology, material science, agriculture, biochemistry, food science, toxicology, forensics, etc. can read it.
Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate
3. Understanding Mass Spectra: A Basic Approach
Understanding Mass Spectra: A Basic Approach written by R Martin Smith is a compilation of elementary information and the underlying principles of mass spectral analysis. Mass spectral techniques can be applied to physical, organic, and analytical chemistry.
The book includes clear guidelines on setting up instruments of mass spectrometry and how to perform the laboratory settings.
It includes the updated information and unified approach for mass spectral analysis that emphasizes the application of fundamental theories in different domains.
Composed in a concise and definite style for a brief explanation of the physical and chemical processes underlying mass spectra.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- It is a detailed guide on both theory and instrumentation
- It includes the step by step protocol for performing a typical mass spectrometry experiment.
- It includes real-life case studies and examples.
- Also provides significant questions for developing insight on skill-building
- The mathematical derivations have been explained in an easy-to-follow method.
- Nicely designed lists and tables that contain details and the information needed to solve unidentified problems.
- It provides a list of additional suggested readings.
- It is highly recommended for any scientific researcher wishing to learn fundamental principles behind Mass Spectrometry along with mathematical approaches.
Level (best suitable for): Beginner
4. Mass Spectrometry: A Textbook
Mass Spectrometry: A Textbook is written by the author Jurgen H Gross. The author has exquisitely maintained a balance between practical information and fundamental theoretical background.
Three chapters are dedicated to tandem mass spectrometry, inorganic mass spectrometry, and interfaces for sampling at atmospheric pressure.
Chapter 4 of the book deals with the instrumentation needed for carrying out the process of mass spectrometry. There are summaries available that covers mass analyzers one by one.
Every chapter has a summary towards the end, which is further classified into sections that highlight the basics of the subject, applications, and role in current mass spectrometry. Notable examples are provided under a short subheading that conveys the gist of the section.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The book is highly recommended since it is comprehensive and contains accurate data
- It includes high-resolution pictures and photographs for a clear understanding
- Clear insight on instrumentation procedures and practical approach
- The book is packed with several references, useful tabular data, and illustrations for supplementary information.
- A special website detail is provided to find solutions to the given problems.
- The book has revised and up to date information on the mass spectrometry technique.
- A schematic diagram such as flowcharts represent the procedure and interpretation of mass spectral data
Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate
5. Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds
Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds written by a group of four expert authors is an extraordinary and advanced book for the mass spectrometry technique.
This book came into existence around 40 years ago, and by now it includes every possible detail on the identification of organic compounds using spectroscopy.
The book mostly consists of techniques that lead to the determination of organic compounds and their structure.
Mass Spectrometry, Infrared Spectroscopy, Multinuclear, and Multidimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are some of the approaches that could fulfill the requirements.
Chapters 7 and 8 of the book are the highlight feature since they include a list of real data and practice data for spectrometry-based problems.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The book is recommended to professional chemists and biochemists who can directly use these spectra as reference data.
- The synergistic effect can be analyzed that results from the mechanism of spectra.
- The book is commendable since it focuses on a problem-solving approach with several given problems to solve by the readers.
- The list of reference charts and tables is extensive.
- The book is written down especially for organic chemistry researchers.
Level (best suitable for): Advanced
6. Mass Spectrometry for the Novice
Mass Spectrometry for the Novice written by John Greaves and John Roboz is an excellent guide for straight forward descriptions and illustrations on the principles and applications of the techniques.
The initial chapters of the book include an overview of the basic definitions with the terms related to mass spectrometry. Later chapters describes the components of mass spectrometry instruments. And finally, the methods and strategies adopted while using these instruments have been written down comprehensively.
The authors have briefly discussed the available methods, the compounds that have been analyzed, and the data generated from them.
The highlight of the book is the published articles that mention the applications and diversity of mass spectrometry.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The most important chapter written by the authors is a compact text that includes all the essential topics and the tips associated with mass spectrometry.
- The concluding section includes the details of resources such as books reviews and relevant websites
- The language used in the book is very simple and easy to understand by readers of all levels
- The colorful images and clear illustrations make the book delightful
- Intelligent cartoons are provided wherever necessary
- Readers with no prior knowledge of mass spectrometry can begin with this book for illustrative understanding.
Level (best suitable for): Beginner
7. Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry: A Practical Guide
Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry: A Practical Guide written by David Sparkman, Zelda Penton, and Fulton Kitson is a collection of protocols and methods for performing specific spectrometry and chromatography.
The book has been written for every research practitioner regardless of the fact whether they are experienced or inexperienced.
The introductory session is written with depth for understanding the techniques and the principles underlying gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
An important topic of chromatographic peak deconvolution is present with a more detailed understanding of the application of mass spectral databases in the identification of unknown substances.
All the recent up to date information regarding gas chromatography has been included in the book
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A brief discussion on fast gas chromatography and the combination of gas chromatography detectors with mass spectrometry is written in brief.
- The book explains why certain specific fragmentation takes place in the spectra.
- Relevant topics such as gas chromatography conditions, derivatization, Mass spectral interpretation regarding specific types of the compound are written in brief.
- An abundant number of appendices are available on isotopes and atomic masses.
- Relevant examples are provided
- Written in an easy-to-understand language and format
- Very positively reviewed by readers across the globe
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
8. Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry: An Introduction
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: An Introduction written by Robert Ardrey is a unique book that explains the fundamental principles and theories on both liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
The book includes the latest technological applications and advantages of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry together
Detailed descriptions about the instrumentation are given for a brief understanding of tools to be used.
Liquid chromatography is not a new technique for the separation of substances. However, new approaches have developed in the technique for an advanced level analysis.
Mass spectrometry is the separation of substances based on charge by mass ratio. Hence, it is interesting to note how the two techniques can go hand in hand for new developments and discoveries.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The book is famous for its unique style of writing
- Easy to understand the text and simple language used
- It briefly explains the principles of mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography together
- A first book to imply the principles of both the techniques together
- Research practitioners with basic prior knowledge can avail many benefits from the book
- It is a highly recommended book for intermediate learners with the curiosity to learn new approaches.
Level (best suitable for): Advanced
9. LC/MS: A Practical User’s Guide
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry: A Practical User’s Guide, written by Marvin C McMaster, is a combination of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques for various fields of science.
It is a practical guide on using a combined system of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Different industries are using both these techniques in the laboratory for fulfilling the purpose of separation and analysis, purification of mixtures of various compounds.
The book is a user’s guide that focuses on introducing the types of equipment and methodologies to be used for the successful execution of techniques.
After a brief explanation of the components and system of execution, the writer has explained the methods for optimizing the results and maintaining the instruments for any given set of problems.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The guide is written with easy to use and hands-on references that help with practical applications
- All the latest details on instruments, pieces of equipment, time of flight, and analyzers have been written down.
- It provides the future applications and current development in fields of agrochemical industries, biotechnology, clinical research, pharmaceutical, forensics, and environmental studies.
- An efficient guide for explaining the preparation of the HPLC mobile phase and samples handling and maintaining silica, zirconium, and polymeric separation columns.
- A brief overview of the interpretation and quantification of mass spectral data and interfaces.
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
10. Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Fundamentals, Instrumentation and Applications edited by Richard Cole is a specialized book centred on Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry technique.
The book is written keeping chemist, physicist, and biologist in mind. The book contains detailed information on Electrospray Ionization based Mass Spectrometry techniques for molecular weights and structural descriptions from small-sized samples.
The text book is divided into four major sections that constitutes the 15 chapters. The section one talks about the fundamental principles of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The section two includes details on common mass analyzers. The last two sections are most important of all since they contain the important topic of interfacing of solution techniques and applications.
The book is recommended to read since it contains details on uniqueness and efficiency of Electrospray Ionization mass spectrometry technique.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The book includes approaches that are based on the examination of the physical and chemical properties of electrospray processes and describe the events involved in ion formation and electrochemical phenomena.
- Written in easy to understand the text and simple language for readers belonging to any research field.
- This includes high-resolution images for clear illustrations
- It describes the recent development of combining with solution-based separation methods such as magnetic chromatography and capillary electrophoresis
- The book is comprehensive and is an indispensable reference for researchers looking forward to understanding, implement, and apply this technique.
- The book could be a great help to the researchers who are not familiar with the usage due to the varied approaches of implementation and diversity in the utility of the technique.
- Researchers in the field of chemistry, biochemistry, metallic chemistry, pharmacology, physics, and biology can be benefited.
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
11. Analyzing Biomolecular Interactions by Mass Spectrometry
Analyzing Bimolecular Interactions by Mass Spectrometry edited by Jeroen Kool and Wilfried M.A. Niessen is a collection of all the relevant and up-to-date technologies based on the technique of mass spectrometry precisely used to study biological interactions in nature.
The book is briefly divided into three sections. The initial chapters are about the techniques that were used in the past, such as ultra-filtration, affinity chromatography, and many more. This section also includes the latest and upgraded techniques for separation in today’s time.
The middle section of the book emphasizes all the available mass spectrometry-based methods for the study of proteins that interact with the other classes of biomolecules.
The final section is about the important technologies that are frequently employed in the studies of interactions in biosensors and microarrays.
In science, fields like pharmaceuticals, environmental, biochemistry, and analytical proteins, laboratory have sought big profits from the book.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The segregation of topics makes the reader comfortable in navigating through the book
- Easy and simple language usage makes it interesting to read
- A thorough analysis of every technique available for protein interactions studies through mass spectrometry.
- Relevant topics of ion mobility in mass spectrometry, Proteomics, Interactomics, and capture-compound approaches have also been focused on.
Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate
Also Check:
12. Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis in Proteomics
Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis in Proteomics (Methods in Molecular Biology) edited by Rune Matthiesen provides details on every relevant topic and novel Idea associated with mass spectrometry-based proteomics. It includes the present as well as future developments in the field of proteomics.
The edition includes the most reliable and relevant computational methods that emphasize concepts and algorithms.
The chapters have a brief introductory section that includes relevant topics, a list of materials and reagents required, step-by-step methodology, laboratory protocols, tips, and tricks for optimum result production.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Highly acclaimed for its comprehensive style of writing
- The book has been written in a simple and easy format for the readers to understand.
- It lays a special focus on the data analysis for the data obtained from the molecular biology methods in proteomics.
- The book is relevant for students belonging to the field of proteomics, metabolomics, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, and many more.
- Readers belonging to the range of intermediate to advance level can read this book.
- It has received several positive customer reviews since it lies in the category of successful books in this area.
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
13. Mass Spectrometry of Proteins and Peptides
Mass Spectrometry of Proteins and Peptides: Methods and Protocols is a valuable compilation of important mass spectrometry-based methods for proteins and peptides and its application in the fields of clinical chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, toxicology, genetics, and many more.
The book is divided into a total of 28 chapters. The initial chapter includes topic on the generation and analysis of multidimensional protein identification data sets. It is followed by quantitative peptide and protein profiling by mass spectrometry.
The chapters later include quantitation of prokaryotic proteomes using mass and time tag approach. Interesting topics of classical proteomics that is two dimensional electrophoresis and MALDI MS is included.
The final sections include these topics as separate chapters: In-gel electrophoresis, Liquid Chromatography Large Scale Analysis of Phosphorylated Protein, Validation of Peptide Sequence and Tyrosine Sites, Structural Analysis of N-glycoproteins, Capillary Zone Electrophoresis, Top-Down Proteomics, Capillary Isoelectric Focusing, Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography, Hydrogen Exchange Mass Spectrometry, Tissue Analysis with High-Resolution Imaging, Characterization of microorganisms using MALDI, Characterization of Neuropeptides, Proteomics for Validation of Automated Gene Model Predictions and Two-Dimensional Ion Mobility Analysis of Proteins.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The book includes all the latest advancements in the area of top-down Proteomics, an essential method for categorizing proteins that create an impact in biomedical research.
- It includes all the applications of mass spectrometry for protein and peptide analysis
- The chapter ends with a notes section that includes the bullets on relevant topics
- Laboratory trips are available for beginners and experienced researchers
- A balanced mix of theoretical and practical content
Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate
14. Characterization of Protein Therapeutics using Mass Spectrometry
Characterization of Protein Therapeutics using Mass Spectrometry edited by Guodong Chen is an excellent compilation on current techniques for mass spectrometry-based protein analysis. The book also includes the future possibilities in the field. Mass spectrometry is a widely used method for the characterization of proteins to its sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity.
The book has been divided into different sections. The initial section includes a brief overview of the techniques of mass spectrometry and its relation to the analysis of protein therapeutics.
The strategies for structural identification, quantitative approaches, and characterization of processes related to protein drug impurities have been included.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The book belongs to the readers of both the categories of general practitioners in pharmaceutical industries and specialists in analytical sciences.
- It includes the step by step protocols in easy to understand methods.
- These strategies and methodologies adopted for solving the challenging problems have been included
- Protein therapeutics research and development have been paid special attention to
- It is written interestingly and proper connection between the different sections have been included
- Scientific Experts belonging from academic (lecturers/professors) and industrial background have contributed in writing the chapters
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
15. Advances in Forensic Applications of Mass Spectrometry
Advances in Forensic Applications of Mass Spectrometry edited by Jehuda Yinon is an advanced book on mass spectrometry-based techniques. It includes all the current developments and instruments used for analyzing forensic data.
Every great forensic laboratory has almost all the instruments for mass spectrometer based analysis. The methods mentioned in this book can result in great accuracy during analysis and reliable identification of compounds present in a complex.
The book is divided into almost 10 chapters. The initial chapters talk about the screening of drugs in body fluids followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry used in forensic toxicology. Interesting topics of detection of doping agents in hair and substance abuse in sports have been included in the 3rd chapter. The applications of isotope ratio mass spectrometry in forensic have been included in chapter 4.
Topics such as identification of ignitable liquid residue that was used in the fire using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry is included in later chapters. The book concludes on the topic analysis of explosives by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry methods.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The book is divided into clear sections
- Most of the topics regarding forensics analysis using spectrometry are included
- Every forensic lab researcher must have read this book at least once
- The book is a collection of different topics by a group of experts from across the world
- This includes protocols and methods in brief for easy understanding
Level (best suitable for): Advanced
Mass Spectrometry technique is sensitive and hence selective to perform rapid analysis. The tool has specific applications such as drug discovery and testing, isotope ratio determination, pesticide residue analysis, and detection of food contamination.
It is a powerful tool used to detect chemical substances within small samples of substances. The structural and chemical properties of molecules recognized in a complex can be interpreted with the help of mass spectrometry.
The best mass spectrometry books can help you to learn the fundamental principles and practical methodologies. You can choose from the list of recommended books by us or go for any textbook that you find suitable for your level.
