Mass Spectrometry,Review of the Basics: Ionization

Abstract: Mass spectrometry (MS) has become an integral tool in life sciences. The first step in MS analysis is ion formation (ionization). Many ionization methods currently exist; electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) are the most commonly used. ESI relies on the formation of charged droplets releasing ions from the surface (ion evaporation model) or via complete solvent evaporation (charge residual model). MALDI ionization, however, is facilitated via laser energy and the use of a matrix. Despite wide use, ESI cannot efficiently ionize nonpolar compounds. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and atmospheric pressure photo ionization (APPI) are better suited for such tasks. APPI requires photon energy and a dopant, whereas APCI is similar to chemical ionization. In 2004, ambient MS was introduced in which ionization occurs at the sample in its native form. Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) and direct analysis in real time (DART) are the most widely used methods. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of the main ionization methods and the mechanisms of ion formation. This article is educational and intended for students/researchers who are not very familiar with MS and would like to learn the basics; it is not for MS experts.     

Mass spectrometry of rhenium complexes: a comparative study by using LDI-MS, MALDI-MS, PESI-MS and ESI-MS

A group of rhenium (I) complexes including in their structure ligands such as CF(3)SO(3)-, CH(3)CO(2)-, CO, 2,2'-bipyridine, dipyridil[3,2-a:2'3'-c]phenazine, naphthalene-2-carboxylate, anthracene-9-carboxylate, pyrene-1-carboxylate and 1,10-phenanthroline have been studied for the first time by mass spectrometry. The probe electrospray ionization (PESI) is a technique based on electrospray ionization (ESI) that generates electrospray from the tip of a solid metal needle. In this work, mass spectra for organometallic complexes obtained by PESI were compared with those obtained by classical ESI and high flow rate electrospray ionization assisted by corona discharge (HF-ESI-CD), an ideal method to avoid decomposition of the complexes and to induce their oxidation to yield intact molecular cation radicals in gas state [M](+·) and to produce their reduction yielding the gas species [M](-·). It was found that both techniques showed in general the intact molecular ions of the organometallics studied and provided additional structure characteristic diagnostic fragments. As the rhenium complexes studied in the present work showed strong absorption in the UV-visible region, particularly at 355?nm, laser desorption ionization (LDI) mass spectrometry experiments could be conducted. Although intact molecular ions could be detected in a few cases, LDI mass spectra showed diagnostic fragments for characterization of the complexes structure. Furthermore, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectra were obtained. Nor-harmane, a compound with basic character, was used as matrix, and the intact molecular ions were detected in two examples, in negative ion mode as the [M](-·) species. Results obtained with 2-[(2E)-3-(4-tert-buthylphenyl)-2-methylprop-2-enylidene] malononitrile (DCTB) as matrix are also described. LDI experiments provided more information about the rhenium complex structures than did the MALDI ones.     

飞行时间质谱峰值的漂移

飞行时间质谱仪(time-of-flight mass spectrometer, TOF-MS)在分子团簇的激光电离/解离动力学研究中广泛使用。文章报道了在用脉冲355 nm的YAG激光进行水/甲醇二元团簇的多光子电离研究中,发现在电离激光相对于脉冲分子束的不同延时下,即激光作用于脉冲束的不同位置,飞行时间质谱仪测得的离子的质谱峰值发生漂移。在激光作用于脉冲束的中段时,离子的信号最强,同时离子的峰值漂移达到最大。分析认为：这种峰值漂移不是因为新质量数谱峰的出现,而是离子在穿越质谱仪的离子引出区和加速区极板时发生部分离子吸附,引起极板间电压的起伏造成的。离子在电场起伏下的数值模拟与实验中观测到的离子峰值漂移规律一致。     

MATRIX-ASSISTED LASER DESORPTION MASS SPECTROMETRY

ABSTRACT

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry is a technique that has attracted widespread interest since its introduction in 1988. It is primarily implemented using time-of-flight or trapped ion mass analyzers and greatly facilitates determination of molecular weights for biomolecules, polymers, and natural products. Numerous publications on these and related applications have appeared during the past ten years. The present brief MALDI review is intended to provide selected coverage of recent literature, with special emphasis on applications to proteomics, whole cells and tissues, polymers, organic and inorganic molecules. In view of the intense current interest, the choice of topics emphasizes biochemically-related applications.     

Laser Microprobe Mass Analysis of NH4 ReO4, AgReO4 and Al (ReO4)3

The laser microprobe mass analyzer (LAMMA) is a recently developed mass spectroscopic technique for both organic and inorganic microanalysis. LAMMA analysis involves laser ionization of the sample material followed by mass separation in a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The present application of LAMMA illustrates the characterization of three inorganic perrhenates: NH₄ReO₄, AgReO₄ and Al(ReO₄)₃. Results clearly show the value of LAMMA for inorganic mass spectrometry, in this study the most useful data originated in the negative-ion mass spectra.     

碘乙烷在532nm激光作用下多光子电离解离机理

利用５３２ｎｍ的激光对碘乙烷（Ｃ２Ｈ５Ｉ）分子作了多光子电离解离（ＭＰＩＤ）质谱（ＭＳ）研究。Ｃ２Ｈ３Ｉ分子吸收５３２ｎｍ激光双光子的能量激发跃迁至Ａ带后,碎裂成中性碎片Ｉ原子及Ｃ２Ｈ５自由基,中性碎片再吸收光子经一系列电离解离形成碎片离子,分析了不同激光强度及加速电压下的产物离子与总的碳氢离子哟度比值变化,从而更深地揭示了Ｃ２Ｈ５Ｉ分子在５３２ｎｍ激光作用下的ＭＰＩＤ机理。     

Identification of new flavan-3-ol monoglycosides by UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF in grapes and wine

Flavan-3-ol monoglycosides, having four aglycons (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin and epicatechin gallate monomeric units, are detected for the first time in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot grape seeds and wine. These compounds were analyzed in red wine, seed and skin extracts by electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (MS) in negative mode. Fragment ions derived from retro-Diels Alder, heterocyclic ring fragmentation, benzofuran forming fragmentation and glycoside fragmentations were detected in targeted MS/MS mode. These compounds were not detected in skins; the comparative study showed evidence that these glycosylated compounds originate only from grape seeds. Our method allows for the identification of these glycosylated compounds based on their exact mass and their specific fragmentation pattern. However, exact glucose position on the monomeric units can not be determined. This work allowed us to partially identify 14 new flavan-3-ol monoglycosides, based on the exact mass of the molecular ions and their specific retro-Diels Alder, heterocyclic ring fragmentation, benzofuran forming fragmentation and glycoside fragmentations.     

Comparison of Mid-IR with NIR in Polymer Analysis

Abstract

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) represents a powerful technique for analyzing biological samples due to the ultrahigh resolving power, high mass accuracy, and multiple-stage tandem mass spectrometry (MSⁿ). With the advent of electrospray ionization (ESI), determinations of binding stoichiometry and binding sites for protein complexes are available. This review summarizes the recent FT-ICR MS applications in characterization of protein complexes, such as protein-peptide complexes, protein-protein complexes, and protein-nucleic acid complexes. Especially, combined with ECD and SWIFT techniques, FT-ICR MS has unique ion manipulation capabilities and plays a critical role in the analysis of protein complexes.     

The analysis of alkyl-capped alcohol ethoxylates and alcohol ethoxycarboxylates from alcohol ethoxylates by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Alcohol ethoxylates (AEs) are nonionic surfactants. They are industrially important compounds that have historically been difficult to analyze, with the best results to date achieved through derivatization (e.g., silylation) followed by analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Recently, mass spectrometric techniques such as field desorption (FD), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), fast atom bombardment (FAB), electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) have been employed to analyze surfynol(R) 4xx. In an effort to produce low-cost alkyl-capped AEs and anionic detergents from AEs, a fast and reliable measure of the product yields and conversions from AEs is required in research. We found that the product yields and conversions from reactions of AEs, obtained by the employment of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), were in good agreement with those obtained from proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-NMR). Therefore, APCI can be used as a validated tool for studying AE reactions. Mixtures that contain either silylated or unsilylated ethoxylates and/or carboxylates yield the same APCI mass spectra. Copyright -Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

甜茶叶中甜茶苷的UPLC-MS/MS分析

采用超高效液相色谱-质谱联用法测定广西特产甜茶叶中的主要甜味成分甜茶苷的含量.样品经前处理后以Acquity UPLC BEH C18柱为色谱柱,流动相为乙腈(含体积分数为0.1％甲酸)-蒸馏水(含体积分数0.1％甲酸),梯度条件为10min乙腈相体积由20％变化到65％,柱温35℃,进样量5μL,流速为0.15mL/...     

Mass spectrometric detection of molecular ions formed by irradiation of condensed methanol with a CO2 laser

IR laser-induced ionization is investigated in condensed methanol (77 K) using a TEA CO₂ laser for resonant vibrational excitation and a quadrupole mass spectrometer to analyse the ion spectra produced by laser irradiation. Ions are already detected at laser fluences below 1 J/cm², far below dielectric breakdown. The fluence dependence of the ion yield is measured for two groups of ions and the total number of ions. A mechanism is proposed for the photochemical production of protonated molecules. The protonated monomer is the species with the highest abundance; however, protonated dimers and other quasimolecular ions and fragment ions are also found.     

Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Atmospheric pressure ionization (API) mass spectrometry is a novel form of mass spectrometry in which the ionization process is carried out in a reaction chamber external to the mass analyzer region. The mass analyzer serves as a device to detect positive or negative ions present in the reaction chamber, which is maintained at atmospheric pressure.     

Structural characterisation of N-linked glycan mixtures by precursor ion scanning and tandem mass spectrometric analysis

2-Aminoacridone (2-AMAC) labelled N-linked glycan pools were analysed directly by a hybrid quadrupole orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-Tof) in the precursor ion scanning and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) modes. The use of a precursor ion scanning strategy on this instrument provides a rapid and sensitive method of screening glycan mixtures, without prior separation by chromatographic methods. It allows facile and preliminary characterisation of glycans into different classes, for example, high-mannose or complex glycans. Preliminary sequencing information for each glycan is obtained in the initial precursor ion scanning mode, but further sequencing information of selected glycans can be obtained using the MS/MS mode. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Plasma Source Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Biological and Environmental Samples: Dealing with Potential Interferences

Introduction

Effectiveness of a plasma to dissociate the sample into ions has been the basis of the development of plasma source optical emission spectrometer (OES) and mass spectrometer (MS) for elemental and isotope analysis. Among the available ways of inducing and sustaining a plasma, only inductively coupled plasma (ICP) has gained commercial application. The ICP is an electrodeless discharge in a gas at atmospheric pressure, maintained by energy coupled to it from a radio frequency generator. This is done by a coupling coil, which functions as the primary of radio frequency transformer, the secondary of which is created by the discharge itself (Jarvis et al., 1992). An ICP-MS system consists of a plasma source (ICP) interfaced with a quadrupole MS. The plasma ionizes the elements of the sample and the MS serves as a detector that measures the mass to charge (m/z) ratio of the element(s) or isotope(s) of interest. Generally an argon (Ar) plasma is used, but other plasma sources have also been proposed (Brown et al., 1988; Satzger et al., 1987).     

Chemical Profiling of an Indian Herbal Formula Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Electro Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Amruthotharam kashayam is an important Ayurvedic formulation prepared using specified plant parts of Tinospora cordifolia, Terminalia chebula, and Zingiber officinale. The current study developed a rapid liquid chromatographic method coupled with electro spray ionization mass spectrometry for the identification of major phytoconstituents present in the formulation. Reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatogram was developed as chemical fingerprint. The mass spectrum along with the MS/MS fragmentation on collision-induced dissociation led to the structural identification of separated compounds. Phenolic acids such as quinic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, and chebulic acid were identified in the formulation along with some flavonoids.     

MALDI-based intact spore mass spectrometry of downy and powdery mildews

Fast and easy identification of fungal phytopathogens is of great importance in agriculture. In this context, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for analyzing microorganisms. This study deals with a methodology for MALDI-TOF MS-based identification of downy and powdery mildews representing obligate biotrophic parasites of crop plants. Experimental approaches for the MS analyses were optimized using Bremia lactucae, cause of lettuce downy mildew, and Oidium neolycopersici, cause of tomato powdery mildew. This involved determining a suitable concentration of spores in the sample, selection of a proper MALDI matrix, looking for the optimal solvent composition, and evaluation of different sample preparation methods. Furthermore, using different MALDI target materials and surfaces (stainless steel vs polymer-based) and applying various conditions for sample exposure to the acidic MALDI matrix system were investigated. The dried droplet method involving solvent evaporation at room temperature was found to be the most suitable for the deposition of spores and MALDI matrix on the target and the subsequent crystallization. The concentration of spore suspension was optimal between 2 and 5?×?10(9) spores per ml. The best peptide/protein profiles (in terms of signal-to-noise ratio and number of peaks) were obtained by combining ferulic and sinapinic acids as a mixed MALDI matrix. A pretreatment of the spore cell wall with hydrolases was successfully introduced prior to MS measurements to obtain more pronounced signals. Finally, a novel procedure was developed for direct mass spectra acquisition from infected plant leaves. Copyright ? 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mass Spectrometric Sampling of Combustion Plasmas

An arrangement is described whereby atmospheric pressure flame plasmas are sampled into a quadrupole mass spectrometer for analysis and identification of each ion present. The principal difficulty encountered is that of obtaining a fully representative sample of gas without chemical reactions altering the composition. These problems are discussed in detail and it is concluded that only fast reactions, with relaxation times less than 1 ?s, are capable of falsifying an ion spectrum. The ions present in combustion plasmas are described. Their kinetics of production by collisional and chemi-ionization processes, and recombination by both two and three-body schemes are measured for various flame compositions and temperatures. In addition, cross-sections are presented for reaction of H2O+ with various atoms and molecules, as wall as for dissociative attachment of electrons to HCl. As examples of thermodynamic information resulting from this type of study, the first hydration energies of a variety of positive ions are measured, as also are the ionization potentials of CaOH and SrOH.     

Products of the interaction of veratrole and paraform in a subcritical water medium

The interaction of veratrole and paraform in a subcritical water medium was studied and the macrocyclic compounds (cyclotriveratrylene and cyclotetraveratrylene) were obtained in a ratio of 94: 6. The formation of the aforementioned compounds is confirmed by complex analytical methods, including mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI MS) and NMR spectroscopy. The data of ESI MS showed that the mixed adducts of the above macrocycles of trimer-cation-tetramer type are formed.     

On-plate deposition of oxidized proteins to facilitate protein footprinting studies by radical probe mass spectrometry

The on-plate deposition of oxidized proteins is described to advance footprinting applications by radical probe mass spectrometry (RP-MS). An electrospray ionization (ESI) needle assembly mounted vertically over a 384-target matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) plate enabled the limited oxidation of proteins as they were released in the charged droplets ahead of their deposition on the plate. This method combined with on-plate proteolytic digestion protocols expedites the analysis of proteins oxidized by RP-MS, and avoids the need to collect and reconstitute samples prior to analysis by MALDI mass spectrometry. Oxidation of peptides from solutions in water as well as an ammonium bicarbonate solution was investigated to test the optimal conditions required for on-plate oxidation of proteins. These comprised of peptides with a wide range of reactive amino acids including Phe, Tyr, Pro, His, Leu, Met and Lys that were previously shown to oxidize in both electrospray discharge and synchrotron radiolysis based footprinting experiments. The on-plate deposition of lysozyme oxidized at electrospray needle voltages of 6 and 9 kV were carried out to demonstrate conditions suitable for footprinting experiments as well as those that induce the onset of protein damage. Copyright ? 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of cancer cell lipids using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization 15-T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

A combination of methodologies using the extremely high mass accuracy and resolution of 15-T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry (MS) was introduced for the identification of intact cancer cell phospholipids. Lipids from a malignant glioma cell line were initially analyzed at a resolution of >200,000 and identified by setting the mass tolerance to ±1 mDa using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) 15-T FT-ICR MS in positive ion mode. In most cases, a database search of potential lipid candidates using the exact masses of the lipids yielded only one possible chemical composition. Extremely high mass accuracy (<0.1?ppm) was then attained by using previously identified lipids as internal standards. This, combined with an extremely high resolution (>800,000), yielded well-resolved isotopic fine structures allowing for the identification of lipids by MALDI 15-T FT-ICR MS without using tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis. Using this method, a total of 38 unique lipids were successfully identified.