The design of functional interfaces is central to both fundamental and applied research in materials science and energy technology. We introduce a new, broadly applicable technique for the precisely controlled high-throughput preparation of well-defined interfaces containing polyatomic species ranging from small ions to nanocrystals and large protein complexes. The mass-dispersive deposition of ions onto surfaces is achieved using a rotating-wall mass analyzer, a compact device which enables the separation of ions using low voltages and has a theoretically unlimited mass range. We demonstrate an efficient deposition of singly charged Au144(SC4H9)60 ions (33.7 kDa), which opens up exciting opportunities for the structural characterization of nanocrystals and their assemblies using transmission electron microscopy. Our approach also enables the high-throughput deposition of mass-selected ions from multicomponent mixtures, which is of interest to the controlled preparation of surface gradients and rapid screening of molecules in mixtures for a specific property. 相似文献
Over the last two decades, native mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a valuable tool to study intact proteins and noncovalent protein complexes. Studied experimental systems range from small-molecule (drug)–protein interactions, to nanomachineries such as the proteasome and ribosome, to even virus assembly. In native MS, ions attain high m/z values, requiring special mass analyzers for their detection. Depending on the particular mass analyzer used, instrumental mass resolution does often decrease at higher m/z but can still be above a couple of thousand at m/z 5000. However, the mass resolving power obtained on charge states of protein complexes in this m/z region is experimentally found to remain well below the inherent instrument resolution of the mass analyzers employed. Here, we inquire into reasons for this discrepancy and ask how native MS would benefit from higher instrumental mass resolution. To answer this question, we discuss advantages and shortcomings of mass analyzers used to study intact biomolecules and biomolecular complexes in their native state, and we review which other factors determine mass resolving power in native MS analyses. Recent examples from the literature are given to illustrate the current status and limitations.
Mass defect is associated with the binding energy of the nucleus. It is a fundamental property of the nucleus and the principle behind nuclear energy. Mass defect has also entered into the mass spectrometry terminology with the availability of high resolution mass spectrometry and has found application in mass spectral analysis. In this application, isobaric masses are differentiated and identified by their mass defect. What is the relationship between nuclear mass defect and mass defect used in mass spectral analysis, and are they the same?
Amyloid fibrils are self‐assembled protein structures with important roles in biology (either pathogenic or physiological), and are attracting increasing interest in nanotechnology. However, because of their high aspect ratio and the presence of some polymorphism, that is, the possibility to adopt various structures, their characterization is challenging and basic information such as their mass is unknown. Here we show that charge‐detection mass spectrometry, recently developed for large self‐assembled systems such as viruses, provides such information in a straightforward manner. 相似文献
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry provides unparalleled mass measurement accuracy and resolving
power. However, propagation of the technique into new analytical fields requires continued advances in instrument speed and
sensitivity. Here, we describe a substantial redesign of our custom-built 9.4 tesla FTICR mass spectrometer that improves
sensitivity, acquisition speed, and provides an optimized platform for future instrumentation development. The instrument
was designed around custom vacuum chambers for improved ion optical alignment, minimized distance from the external ion trap
to magnetic field center, and high conductance for effective differential pumping. The length of the transfer optics is 30%
shorter than the prior system, for reduced time-of-flight mass discrimination and increased ion transmission and trapping
efficiency at the ICR cell. The ICR cell, electrical vacuum feedthroughs, and cabling have been improved to reduce the detection
circuit capacitance (and improve detection sensitivity) 2-fold. The design simplifies access to the ICR cell, and the modular
vacuum flange accommodates new ICR cell technology, including linearized excitation, high surface area detection, and tunable
electrostatic trapping potential. 相似文献
