Mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique that is used to identify unknown compounds, quantify known compounds, and elucidate the structure and chemical properties of molecules. Originally used by pharmaceutical companies to conduct drug research, MS has a host of potential applications-ranging from detecting chemical agents for biodefense to facilitating the quantification of complex proteins. Traditionally large, intricate and expensive instruments, mass spectrometers are most often found in core facilities, however, lower cost models have recently been launched-enabling smaller groups of life scientists to acquire them. As more scientists gain access to these instruments and the field of mass spectrometry evolves, mass spectrometer suppliers must understand the needs of the market in order to improve their instruments and make them more powerful. Designed to provide a detailed analysis of the MS market from the end-user's perspective, Mass Spectrometry: Opportunities in the Life Science Market is based on 35-question survey of 850 scientists who currently use, or plan to use, MS in their research. The report provides a comprehensive look at researchers' experimental design, including current and future throughput, sample preparation and instrument configurations used. By identifying the rate at which new researchers are entering the field as well as scientists' current and future applications of MS and their anticipated purchasing plans, this report will help suppliers better understand the direction of the market and its projected growth. One application where the use of MS is increasing is in protein quantification. To provide a closer look at the potential in quantitative proteomics, the report specifically explores the use of, and satisfaction with, various methods used to quantify proteins and the developments needed to encourage widespread use of this exciting technology. The report also addresses the competitive dynamics of the market and identifies the suppliers from which researchers are most likely to purchase their next mass spectrometer. It thoroughly examines scientists' loyalty to the supplier of their most recently purchased mass spectrometer as well as purchasing motivations, likelihood to recommend that supplier and likelihood to re-purchase. Additionally, it assesses users' satisfaction with specific features of the instrument. By using this report to understand the actual experiences, preferences and expectations of researchers, mass spectrometer suppliers can better position themselves and appeal to the diverse needs of their target market. A combination of enhancements and innovations will extend the use of mass spectrometry into additional laboratories and toward novel applications. Mass Spectrometry: Opportunities in the Life Science Market contains over 60 charts and/or tables and more than 20 cross-tabulations for the 35 survey questions. Based on question 1, 653 respondents who currently conduct use MS were directed to answer most questions, while 197 respondents who plan to use MS within the next 12 months only answered Questions 2, 4, 5, 31 and 36. Below is a glimpse of the key findings derived from just a few of the survey questions: • The scientists surveyed who either currently, or plan to, use MS in their research best describe themselves as biochemists (33%) or molecular biologists (32%).
• More than half of the respondents indicated that the mass spectrometer they use is not in a core/service lab.
• Of the scientists who plan to purchase a mass spectrometer, 45 percent plan to do so within the next 6 months and the majority are most likely to purchase from Applied Biosystems and Thermo Electron
• Greater sensitivity was the reason one-quarter of the respondents purchased their newest mass spectrometer from the supplier they did.
• The scientists who indicated that they currently use MS to quantify protein expression cited most frequently using 2-D PAGE (not DiGE) and tandem MS (MS/MS) to do so. (electronic copy includes one print copy) | 
