Aims & Scope
Journal of Developments in Mass Spectrometry (JDMS) publishes research advancing the fundamental chemistry, instrumentation, and analytical applications of mass spectrometry across molecular characterization, materials analysis, and chemical measurement science.
Research Domains
Tier 1: Core DomainsInstrumentation & Technology
- Mass analyzer development (Orbitrap, FT-ICR, TOF, quadrupole, ion trap)
- Ionization source innovation (ESI, MALDI, APCI, ambient ionization)
- Ion mobility spectrometry and separation techniques
- Detector technology and signal processing
- Hyphenated systems (LC-MS, GC-MS, CE-MS)
- High-resolution and tandem MS (MS/MS) methodologies
Molecular Characterization
- Protein identification, quantification, and post-translational modifications
- Small molecule structure elucidation and fragmentation pathways
- Lipid profiling and lipidomics workflows
- Glycan analysis and glycomics strategies
- Isotope ratio measurements and isotopic labeling
- Protein-ligand and protein-protein interaction mapping
Chemical Analysis & Applications
- Environmental contaminant detection and quantification
- Food chemistry, safety analysis, and authentication
- Pharmaceutical compound characterization and impurity profiling
- Agrochemical residue analysis and degradation pathways
- Forensic chemical identification and trace analysis
- Materials characterization (polymers, nanomaterials, surfaces)
Ion Chemistry & Mechanisms
- Gas-phase ion chemistry and reaction kinetics
- Fragmentation mechanisms and dissociation pathways
- Ion activation methods (CID, ETD, ECD, UVPD)
- Ion-molecule reactions and charge transfer processes
- Sputtering mechanisms and surface ionization
- Computational modeling of ionization and fragmentation
Omics Technologies
Proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and glycomics workflows emphasizing analytical chemistry and molecular identification rather than biological interpretation.
Data Science & Informatics
Machine learning algorithms for spectral interpretation, database development, data processing pipelines, and software tools for MS data analysis.
Sample Preparation Chemistry
Novel extraction methods, derivatization strategies, enrichment techniques, and chemical modification approaches optimizing analyte recovery and ionization.
Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Spatial molecular mapping, tissue imaging, MALDI imaging, DESI imaging, and ion mobility imaging with focus on analytical methodology.
Bioanalytical Chemistry
Pharmacokinetic analysis, drug metabolism studies, biomarker quantification, and therapeutic monitoring emphasizing chemical measurement rather than clinical outcomes.
Structural Biology
Native MS, hydrogen-deuterium exchange, cross-linking MS, and top-down proteomics for protein structure and conformational analysis at the molecular level.
Artificial Intelligence Integration
Deep learning for spectral prediction, automated compound identification, real-time data processing, and intelligent instrument control systems.
Miniaturization & Portability
Miniature mass spectrometers, field-deployable instruments, point-of-need analysis systems, and microfluidic MS interfaces.
Quantum & Advanced Physics
Quantum chemistry applications in MS, advanced ion optics, novel trapping mechanisms, and fundamental physics of ion behavior.
Astrobiology & Space Science
Extraterrestrial sample analysis, space-qualified instrumentation, planetary chemistry, and astrobiology applications with focus on analytical chemistry.
Note: Emerging area submissions undergo additional editorial review to ensure alignment with core analytical chemistry focus and sufficient methodological rigor.
Explicit Exclusions
- Clinical Diagnostics & Patient Care Research focused on diagnostic protocols, clinical decision-making, patient outcomes, disease prognosis, or therapeutic efficacy without substantial analytical chemistry innovation.
- Medical Treatment Protocols Studies primarily addressing treatment regimens, dosing strategies, clinical trial outcomes, or healthcare delivery systems. Pharmacokinetic studies must emphasize analytical methodology.
- Biological Mechanism Studies Without MS Innovation Investigations of cellular pathways, disease mechanisms, or physiological processes where MS is merely a detection tool without methodological advancement or chemical insight.
- Pure Bioinformatics Computational biology, genomics, transcriptomics, or systems biology research without direct connection to mass spectrometry data generation or interpretation.
- Review Articles Without Novel Analysis General literature reviews lacking original data, critical methodological comparison, or meta-analysis of MS performance characteristics across studies.
Article Types & Editorial Priorities
These formats are considered only when presenting exceptional methodological insights, paradigm-shifting observations, or critical technical corrections to published literature.
Editorial Standards & Requirements
Reporting Guidelines
Adherence to discipline-specific standards: MIAPE for proteomics, STROBE for observational studies, ARRIVE for animal research, and CONSORT for method comparisons.
Data Transparency
Raw mass spectrometry data deposition in public repositories (PRIDE, MetaboLights, MassIVE) required for all omics studies. Method validation data must be provided.
Reproducibility
Detailed method descriptions enabling replication, including instrument parameters, software versions, statistical approaches, and quality control metrics.
Ethics & Compliance
IRB approval for human samples, IACUC approval for animal studies, appropriate biosafety protocols, and conflict of interest disclosure required.
Preprint Policy
Preprints on recognized servers (ChemRxiv, arXiv, bioRxiv) welcomed. Preprint posting does not affect consideration. Must be disclosed during submission.
Software & Code
Custom software, scripts, and algorithms must be made available via public repositories (GitHub, Zenodo) with clear documentation and version control.
Editorial Performance Metrics
Ready to Submit?
If your research advances mass spectrometry through instrumentation innovation, methodological development, or novel chemical applications, we want to hear from you.
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