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MOBILion Systems Redefines Mass Spectrometry in Proteomics

In a groundbreaking achievement for the field of mass spectrometry, MOBILion Systems has successfully pushed the boundaries of traditional proteomics workflows. The company announced a significant technical milestone in December 2025, unveiling a proof-of-concept demonstration that utilizes high-resolution ion mobility (HRIM) operated in their innovative PAMAF mode. This shift fundamentally restructures the landscape of mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, bringing to fruition what has been theorized for over two decades in scientific literature.

Historically, experts in the domain of LC-MS/MS proteomics have identified a critical limitation due to the inherent inefficiency of ion utilization. This inefficiency worsens with increasing analytical complexity, as established in research by leading scientists in 2000 which highlighted these constraints. Despite significant advancements in both instrumentation and software over the years, the field has remained trapped within an incremental improvement framework, largely due to the structures of existing technologies.

In an ambitious move to break away from this limitation, MOBILion proposed the novel PAMAFTM operation mode in 2024, showcasing a new approach enabled by its distinctive high-resolution ion mobility technology. The result has been a rapid transition from theory to practical application, culminating in the creation of a state-of-the-art prototype in 2025. To validate its findings, the firm formed a Proteomics Advisory Board and collaborated closely with leading researchers from academic and industrial backgrounds.

Throughout the year, MOBILion's technology has garnered a substantial amount of attention, reflected in four peer-reviewed publications—some already published while others are in preparation—or environmentally validating studies involving independent collaborators. The results presented at major scientific conferences have illustrated that MOBILion’s innovative technology successfully addresses the critical need for increased acquisition rates while overcoming the trade-off between sensitivity, specificity, and speed that has long constrained conventional proteomics techniques.

The advancements enabled by MOBILion will allow scientists to detect more proteins and post-translational modifications than conventional systems, facilitating more actionable insights in drug development, biomarkers discovery, diagnostics, and an overall deeper understanding of biological systems. This achievement underscores the hardware limitations existing in the typical mass spectrometry frameworks that have proven impossible to address simply through software upgrades or adjustments in current hardware.

Dr. Melissa Sherman, MOBILion's Founder and CEO, emphasizes the importance of this development, stating, "We have been pioneering advancements in separation science with the conviction that our SLIM technology would fundamentally transform mass spectrometry analytical methodologies. This moment is not a minor increment but rather the foundation for a significant evolution across mass spectrometry applications in proteomics and beyond."

MOBILion's strategy involves leveraging its high-resolution ion mobility technology within the extensive mass spectrometry ecosystem. This expansion goes beyond just proteomics to encompass areas such as metabolomics, lipidomics, exposomics, and other high-value analytical fields. Craig Carra, CFO of MOBILion Systems, elaborated on the company’s position, remarking, "Our assets are challenging to create and even more challenging to replicate. We are developing a strong intellectual property portfolio around our core technology and proprietary operating methods, which protects and enhances our market position. As demand grows and traditional architectures hit their limits, we find ourselves in a unique position along with a loyal community of collaborators whose workflows increasingly rely on our innovative platform."

With the technical feasibility now solidified in the proteomics segment, which is characterized as both the largest and most challenging within high-resolution mass spectrometry markets, MOBILion stands ready to address the unmet needs of current workflows. The technology promises to extend proteome coverage, facilitate accurate identification of rare species, and accommodate higher throughput—all of which are essential in breaking free from historical limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and speed found in the traditional LC-MS approaches.

MOBILion Systems, Inc. continues to transform separation science by harnessing its unique SLIM technology for faster and more precise characterization of complex molecular structures. With appliances designed for diverse applications spanning biopharmaceuticals, metabolomics, and food safety, the work of MOBILion Systems will undoubtedly reshape the future landscape of analytical chemistry. For additional insights, please visit mobilionsystems.com.