Quantitative detection of metabolites using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry with 9-aminoacridine as the matrix

Quantitative detection of metabolites is a highly desirable feature in metabolome analyses. Recently, the successful detection of multiple metabolites using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) in the negative ion mode employing 9-aminoacridine as the organic matrix was reported (Edwards JL, Kennedy RT. Anal. Chem. 2005; 77: 2201-2209). However, there is little information available on quantitative detection of multiple metabolites using MALDI-MS and in particular the influence changes in metabolite levels have on such detections. We investigated this aspect by spiking a synthetic metabolite cocktail (consisting of 39 metabolites including amino acids, organic acids and phospho-metabolites) with five representative metabolites at increasing concentrations, one metabolite at a time, and assessed the signals from replicate determinations. It was possible to detect quantitative changes in the spiked metabolites. Although analyte suppression was observed, it was possible to observe scenarios where the spiked metabolite had little or no influence on the quantitative detection of some metabolites. It appears that the mass spectral response of the metabolite is suppressed only when the spiked chemical species are relatively similar in chemical terms. This suggests that quantitation is possible in scenarios where changes in a specific metabolite or a class of metabolites are monitored following appropriate analyte separation strategies, and that careful interpretations must be made when using the technique for quantitative analysis in unbiased metabolomic approaches.     

5-Ethyl-2-mercaptothiazole as matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization of a broad spectrum of analytes in positive and negative ion mode

A preliminary investigation of the use of 5-ethyl-2-mercaptothiazole as matrix in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) of a broad spectrum of analytes is reported. The analytes studied are substance P, insulin, beta-cyclodextrin, triacylglycerols of coconut oil and polypropylene glycol 2000 (PPG 2000). In the positive ion mass spectra of the matrix/analyte combinations, the formation of [M + H]+ and [M + cation]+ species were observed and compared with those obtained by using well-established matrices such as alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, genticic acid, sinapinic acid and dithranol. In addition, the usefulness of this new matrix for MALDI in negative ion mode is also described using substance P and beta-cyclodextrin as examples.     

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using an inorganic particle matrix for small molecule analysis

Fine metal or metal oxide powder as an alternative to conventional organic matrices in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) has been utilized successfully for lower molecular mass analytes, poly(ethylene glycol) 200 (PEG 200) and methyl stearate. Eleven kinds of particle, Al, Mn, Mo, Si, Sn, SnO2, TiO2, W, WO3, Zn and ZnO, were evaluated. The analyte was mixed with a metal or metal oxide powder (inorganic matrix) with particle diameter of tens of micrometers and liquid dispersant, followed by application to the sample target. Using a commercial MALDI-TOFMS instrument equipped with an internal 337 nm pulsed nitrogen laser, the analytes, PEG 200 and methyl stearate, were ionized as the alkali metal ion adducted molecules [M+Na]+ or [M+K]+ when the inorganic matrices Mn, Mo, Si, Sn, TiO2, W, WO3, Zn or ZnO were used. In the case of an Al matrix, PEG 200 was ionized as [M+K]+, whereas methyl stearate was ionized as [M+H]+ and [M+Al]+. These particles have potential as the matrix for MALDI. During our examination, however, only SnO2 particles did not ionize either PEG 200 or methyl stearate. Based on our protocol, when TiO2 powder was suspended with liquid paraffin, PEG 200 and methyl stearate gave their MALDI-TOF mass spectra with the lowest background noise and highest intensity. TiO2 powder seemed to be a broad potential matrix for low molecular mass polar or non-polar analytes. The results suggested that bulk particles caused rapid heating/vaporization processes and ionized analyte molecules under irradiation with a pulsed UV laser. The present method can be readily applied to obtain the low background noise MALDI-TOF mass spectra of small-sized compounds.     

Simultaneous measurement of metabolic stability and metabolite identification of 7-methoxymethylthiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one derivatives in human liver microsomes using liquid chromatography/ion-trap mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method using an atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation source was used to measure the metabolic stability and metabolite identification of 7-methoxymethylthiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one derivative (1) in human liver microsomes. After 15 min incubation with human liver microsomes, compound 1 exhibited metabolic turnover of 44%. Data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) scanning was used to generate product ion spectra from the protonated ions of the compound and its metabolites. An unusual metabolite at m/z 407 corresponding to the [M-24+H]+ ion was identified for compound 1. Interestingly, the formation of the [M-24+H]+ ion was not observed in the analogues wherein the fused thieno double bond was substituted (2) and the thieno group replaced by a fused benzo derivative (3). Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited metabolic turnovers of 24 and 30%, yielding oxidative metabolites corresponding to [M+16] and [M+32]+, respectively. Based on these facts the mechanism for [M-24]+ formation in compound 1 through an initial epoxide formation on the double bond of the fused thieno ring followed by hydrolytic ring opening and deacylation is envisaged.     

Noncovalent association phenomena of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid with cyclic and linear oligosaccharides. A matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric and X-ray crystallographic study

D-Glucose and 19 glucose derivatives were investigated by positive and negative ion matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as the matrix. The set of substrates includes oligomers of amylose and cellulose, native alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrin, and chemically modified beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins. These analytes were chosen to modulate molecular weight, polarity, and capability of establishing noncovalent interactions with guest molecules. In the negative-ion mode, the DHB matrix gave rise to charged multicomponent adducts of type [M + DHB - H]- (M = oligosaccharide) selectively for those analytes matching the following conditions: (i) underivatized chemical structure and (ii) number of glucose units > or = 4. In the positive-ion polarity, only some amylose and cellulose derivatives and methylated beta-cyclodextrins provided small amount of cationized adducts with the matrix of type [M + DHB + X]+ (X = Na or K), along with ubiquitous [M + X]+ ions. The results are discussed by taking into account analyte-matrix association phenomena, such as hydrogen bond and inclusion phenomena, as a function of the molecular structure of the analyte. The conclusions derived by mass spectrometric data are compared with the X-ray diffraction data obtained on a single crystal of the 1:1 alpha-cyclodextrin - DHB noncovalent adduct.     

Comparison of mass spectra of peptides in different matrices using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and a multi-turn time-of-flight mass spectrometer, MULTUM-IMG.

The mass spectra of peptides obtained with different matrices were compared using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) ion source and a multi-turn time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer, MULTUM-IMG, which has been developed at Osaka University. Two types of solid matrices, alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and a liquid matrix made from a mixture of 3-aminoquinoline and CHCA were used. When measuring the peak signal intensity of human angiotensin II [M+H]+ from a fixed sample position, the liquid matrix produced a stable signal over 1000 laser shots, while the signal obtained with CHCA and DHB decayed after about 300 and 100 shots, respectively. Significant differences in the mass resolving power were not observed between the spectra obtained with the three matrices. Signal peak areas were measured as a function of the cycle number in a multi-turn ion trajectory, i.e., the total flight time over a millisecond time scale. For both [M+H]+ of human angiotensin II and bovine insulin, the decay of the signal peak area was the most significant with CHCA, while that measured with DHB was the smallest. The results of the mean initial ion velocity measurements suggested that the extent of metastable decomposition of the analyte ions increased in order of DHB, the liquid matrix, and CHCA, which is consistent with the difference in the decay of the signal peak area as the total flight time increased.     

A non-covalent dimer formed in electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry behaving as a precursor for fragmentations

A non-covalent-bonded dimer was detected in the positive ion electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectra of a synthetic impurity. In tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments using collision-induced dissociation (CID), the ion was found to behave as a [M+H]+-type precursor ion for fragmentation until MS5. The dimer was probably formed through multi-hydrogen bonds over a proton bridge. When the fragmentation occurred at the center of the bridge, the dimer was broken apart to give monomer fragments at MS6. However, no corresponding deprotonated dimer [2M-H]- was found in the negative ion ESI spectra. The dimer was extremely stable, and it could still be observed when a fragmentation voltage of up to 50 V was applied in the ionisation source. The formation of the non-covalent dimer was also found to be instrument-dependent, but independent of sample concentration. Accurate mass measurements of the [2M+H]+ and [M+H]+ ions, and their MSn product ions, provided the basis for assessing the fragmentation mechanism proposed for [2M+H]+. The fragmentation pathway was also illustrated for the deprotonated molecule [M-H]-.     

Matrix-free mass spectrometric imaging using laser desorption ionisation Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful tool in metabolomics and proteomics for the spatial localization and identification of pharmaceuticals, metabolites, lipids, peptides and proteins in biological tissues. However, sample preparation remains a crucial variable in obtaining the most accurate distributions. Common washing steps used to remove salts, and solvent-based matrix application, allow analyte spreading to occur. Solvent-free matrix applications can reduce this risk, but increase the possibility of ionisation bias due to matrix adhesion to tissue sections. We report here the use of matrix-free MSI using laser desorption ionisation performed on a 12 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer. We used unprocessed tissue with no post-processing following thaw-mounting on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI) indium-tin oxide (ITO) target plates. The identification and distribution of a range of phospholipids in mouse brain and kidney sections are presented and compared with previously published MALDI time-of-flight (TOF) MSI distributions.     

Feasibility of static secondary ion mass spectrometry to study physicochemical interactions between organic components and silver in thermographic systems

Chemical engineering of high-technology products requires elucidation of intermolecular interactions in complex materials. As part of an extensive study on thermographic systems, static secondary ion mass spectrometry (S-SIMS) was used to probe the physicochemical behaviour of active compounds, such as different tone modifiers and stabilisers, on silver. In particular, the feasibility of detecting adsorption and/or binding of individual additives and mixtures to silver was examined. Substrates prepared by sputter coating silver on silicon wafers were exposed to solutions of the studied compounds in 2-butanone. The signal intensities measured with S-SIMS for the ad-layers showed reproducibility to within 10%. Radical ions containing silver such as [M-H+Ag]+ * were used as evidence for the formation of bonds in the solid. Also the [M-H+2Ag]+ ions could be assigned to chemisorbed species while [M+Ag]+ ions could be formed by adduct ionisation of molecules with co-ejected Ag+ ions. The signal intensities of [M-H+Ag]+ * and [M-H+2Ag]+ ions were used to monitor the adsorption quantitatively as a function of time.     

Recent advances in SALDI-MS techniques and their chemical and bioanalytical applications

Although laser desorption mass spectrometry was introduced in the 1960s, the potential of laser mass spectrometry was not realised until the introduction of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) in the 1980s. The technique relies on light-absorbing compounds called matrices that are co-crystallised with the analyte to achieve high ionisation and desorption efficiencies. MALDI offers a lot of advantages and is an indispensable tool in macromolecule analysis. However, the presence of the matrix also produces a high chemical background in the region below m/z 700 in the mass spectrum. Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (SALDI) substitutes the chemical matrix of MALDI for an active surface, which means that matrix interference can be eliminated. SALDI mass spectrometry has evolved in recent years into a technique with great potential to provide insight into many of the challenges faced in modern research, including the growing interest in “omics” and the demands of pharmaceutical science. A great variety of materials have been reported to work in SALDI. Examples include a number of nanomaterials and surfaces. The unique properties of nanomaterials greatly facilitate analyte desorption and ionisation. This article reviews recent advances made in relation to carbon- and semiconductor-based SALDI strategies. Examples of their environmental, chemical and biomedical applications are discussed with the aim of highlighting progression in the field and the robustness of the technique, as well as to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of individual approaches. In addition, this article describes the physical and chemical processes involved in SALDI and explains how the unique physical and electronic properties of nanostructured surfaces allow them to substitute for the matrix in energy transfer processes.     

The detection of red pigment-concentrating hormone (RPCH) in crustacean eyestalk tissues using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-Fourier transform mass spectrometry: [M + Na]+ ion formation in dried droplet tissue preparations

Red pigment-concentrating hormone (RPCH), an octapeptide found in crustaceans and insects with the sequence pGlu-Leu-Asn-Phe-Ser-Pro-Gly-Trp-NH2, is an N- and C-terminally blocked uncharged peptide. These structural features are shared with many members of the larger adipokinetic hormone (AKH)/RPCH peptide family in insects. We have applied vacuum UV matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FTMS) to the direct analysis of crustacean sinus gland tissues, using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as the MALDI matrix, and have found that RPCH is detected in the cationized, [M + Na]+, form under conditions where other peptides in the direct tissue spectra are protonated without accompanying [M + Na]+ or [M + K]+ satellite peaks. The [M + H]+ ion for RPCH is not detected in tissue samples or for an RPCH standard, even when care is taken to eliminate metal ions. This behavior is not unprecedented; however, both direct tissue spectra and SORI-CID spectra provide no clues to suggest that the ionizing agent is a metal cation. In this communication, we characterize the MALDI-FTMS ionization and SORI-CID mass spectra of the [M + Na]+ and [M + K]+ ions from RPCH, and report on the detection of this neuropeptide in sinus gland tissues from the lobster Homarus americanus and the kelp crab Pugettia producta. We describe two strategies, an on-probe extraction procedure and a salt-doping approach, that can be applied to previously analyzed MALDI tissue samples to enhance and unmask sodiated peptides that may otherwise be mistaken for novel neuropeptides.     

Analysis of neutral oligosaccharides for structural characterization by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry

We have acquired multi-stage mass spectra (MSn) of four branched N-glycans derived from human serum IgG by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-QIT-TOF-MS) in order to demonstrate high sensitivity structural analysis. [M+H]+ and [M+Na]+ ions were detected in the positive mode. The detection limit of [M+Na]+ in MS/MS and MS3 measurements for structural analysis was found to be 100 fmol, better than that for [M+H]+. The [M+H]+ ions subsequently fragmented to produce predominantly a Y series of fragments, whereas [M+Na]+ ions fragmented to give a complex mixture of B and Y ions together with some cross-ring fragments. Three features of MALDI-QIT-CID fragmentation of [M+Na]+ were cleared by the analysis of MS/MS, MS3 and MS4 spectra: (1) the fragment ions resulting from the breaking of a bond are more easily generated than that from multi-bond dissociation; (2) the trimannosyl-chitobiose core is either hardly dissociated, easily ionized or it is easy to break a bond between N-acetylglucosamine and mannose; (3) the fragmentation by loss of only galactose from the non-reducing terminus is not observed. We could determine the existence ratios of candidates for each fragment ion in the MS/MS spectrum of [M+Na]+ by considering these features. These results indicate that MSn analysis of [M+Na]+ ions is more useful for the analysis of complicated oligosaccharide structures than MS/MS analysis of [M+H]+, owing to the higher sensitivity and enhanced structural information. Furthermore, two kinds of glycans, with differing branch structures, could be distinguished by comparing the relative fragment ion abundances in the MS3 spectrum of [M+Na]+. These analyses demonstrate that the MSn technology incorporated in MALDI-QIT-TOF-MS can facilitate the elucidation of structure of complex branched oligosaccharides.     

Structural characterization of 2-aminobenzamide-derivatized oligosaccharides using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization two-stage time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer

Oligosaccharides were derivatized by reductive amination using 2-aminobenzamide (2-AB) and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization two-stage time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in the positive ion mode. The major signals were obtained under these conditions from the [M+Na]+ ions for all 2-AB-derivatized oligosaccharides. A systematic study was conducted on a series of 2-AB-derivatized oligosaccharides to allow rationalization of the fragmentation processes. The MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS/MS spectra of the [M+Na]+ ions of 2-AB-derivatized oligosaccharides were dominated by glycosidic cleavages. These fragments originating both from the reducing and the non-reducing ends of the oligosaccharide yield information on sequence and branching. Moreover, the MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS/MS spectra were also characterized by abundant cross-ring fragments which are very informative on the linkages of the monosaccharide residues constituting these oligosaccharides. MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS/MS analysis of 2-AB-derivatized oligosaccharides, by providing structural information at the low-picomole level, appears to be a powerful tool for carbohydrate structural analysis.     

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight and nano-electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometric characterization of 1-cyano-2-substituted-benz[f]isoindole derivatives of peptides for fluorescence detection

A series of hexa- to decapeptides (molecular mass range 800-1200) were labeled with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde, which preferentially reacts with the primary amino groups of a peptide. A highly stable peptide conjugate is formed, which allows selective analysis by fluorescence at excitation and emission wavelengths of 420 and 490 nm, respectively. After removal of unreacted compounds, the peptide conjugates were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight and nano-electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap mass spectrometry. They readily form both [M + H]+ ions by MALDI and both [M + H]+ and [M + 2H]2+ ions by ESI. Furthermore, the fragmentation behavior of the N-terminally tagged peptides, exhibiting an uncharged N-terminus, was investigated applying post-source decay fragmentation with a curved field reflector and collision-induced dissociation with a quadrupole ion trap. Fragmentation is dominated in both cases by series of a-, b- and y-type ions and [M + H - HCN]+ ions. Peptide bonds adjacent to the fluorescence label were less susceptible to cleavage than the bonds of the non-derivatized peptide ions. In general, the resulting fragment ion patterns were less complex than those of the underivatized peptides.     

Suitability of an orbitrap mass spectrometer for the screening of pesticide residues in extracts of fruits and vegetables

For about 500 pesticides, the sensitivity of a benchtop high-resolution mass spectrometer using the Orbitrap for mass separation was compared to that of a widely used (low-resolution) tandem mass spectrometer. Both instruments were coupled to LC and used electrospray ionization. The selectivity of the Orbitrap in the full-scan acquisition mode without fragmentation was evaluated at a resolution of 100 000 full width at half maximum for all pesticides detectable with sufficient sensitivity. For this purpose, quasimolecular ions were extracted within 5 ppm windows from total ion chromatograms of two types of extracts of cucumber, lemon, wheat flour, raisin, and tea. In each of the obtained reconstructed ion chromatograms (individual chromatograms for 500 pesticides, each pesticide in 10 different extracts) the sum of signals not arising from the analyte was used to get a measure on selectivity. In addition, the target analyte list was checked for ions of similar mass. The influence of matrix on the ability to detect low concentrations of fortified pesticides was also studied, with the help of spiked extracts. This part of the survey tested whether analyte peaks were lost because of insufficient mass resolution or an early closing C-Trap (used to control the ion current into the Orbitrap). Finally, the stability of the ion ratio [M+H]+/[M+Na]+ was tested, which may be helpful to confirm the identity of an analyte.     

Fragmentation chemistry of [M + Cu]+ peptide ions containing an N-terminal arginine

[M + Cu]+ peptide ions formed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization from direct desorption off a copper sample stage have sufficient internal energy to undergo metastable ion dissociation in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. On the basis of fragmentation chemistry of peptides containing an N-terminal arginine, we propose the primary Cu+ ion binding site is the N-terminal arginine with Cu+ binding to the guanidine group of arginine and the N-terminal amine. The principal decay products of [M + Cu]+ peptide ions containing an N-terminal arginine are [a(n) + Cu - H]+ and [b(n) + Cu - H]+ fragments. We show evidence to suggest that [a(n) + Cu - H]+ fragment ions are formed by elimination of CO from [b(n) + Cu - H]+ ions and by direct backbone cleavage. We conclude that Cu+ ionizes the peptide by attaching to the N-terminal arginine residue; however, fragmentation occurs remote from the Cu+ ion attachment site involving metal ion promoted deprotonation to generate a new site of protonation. That is, the fragmentation reactions of [M + Cu]+ ions can be described in terms of a "mobile proton" model. Furthermore, proline residues that are adjacent to the N-terminal arginine do not inhibit formation of [b(n) + Cu - H]+ ion, whereas proline residues that are distant to the charge carrying arginine inhibit formation of [b(n) + Cu - H]+ ions. An unusual fragment ion, [c(n) + Cu + H]+, is also observed for peptides containing lysine, glutamine, or asparagine in close proximity to the Cu+ carrying N-terminal arginine. Mechanisms for formation of this fragment ion are also proposed.     

Sequencing of oligosaccharides derivatized with benzylamine using electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry

Oligosaccharides were derivatized by reductive amination using benzylamine and analyzed by nanoelectrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoESI-QTOF-MS/MS) in the positive ion mode. The major signals were obtained under these conditions from the [M+H]+ ions for all benzylamine-derivatized oligosaccharides. To obtain structural information from these derivatized oligosaccharides, MS/MS was applied. Protonated molecular ions underwent extensive fragmentation, even under low-energy collision-induced dissociation. MS/MS spectra of [M+H]+ ions are characterized by simple fragmentation patterns which result from cleavage of the glycosidic bonds and thus allow a straightforward interpretation. Fragmentation of the [M+H]+ ions gave predominantly B- and Y-type glycosidic fragments. A systematic study of various oligosaccharides showed that information on sugar sequence and branching could easily be obtained. Predictable and reproducible fragmentation patterns could be obtained in all cases. This derivatization procedure and mass spectrometric methodology were applied successfully to neutral and acidic glycans released from 10 microg of glycoproteins separated by gel electrophoresis. Moreover, the derivatives retain their sensitivity to exoglycosidases. Thus a series of sequential on-target exoglycosidase treatments combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was found to be useful for the determination of structural features of the glycans released from proteins separated by gel electrophoresis such as the monosaccharide sequence, branching pattern, and anomeric configurations of the corresponding glycosidic linkages. Our strategy can be used successfully to assign the major glycans released from proteins separated by gel electrophoresis.     

Mass spectrometric studies of benzoxazine resorcarenes

Eleven differently substituted 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-benzoxazine resorcarenes were studied by electrospray ionisation (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry, using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) and time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers, respectively. Under ESI conditions it was possible to transfer the intact resorcarenes from solution to the gas phase, yielding [M + H](+) and [M + 2H](+) ions as the main ions observed. Energy increase of the ions induced ready decomposition through successive eliminations of four CH(2)NR groups. Ion-molecule reactions showed that the ionising proton was situated somewhere inside the molecule and could not be reached with neutral reagent gases. In the host-guest complexation experiments, the benzoxazine resorcarenes studied turned out to be poor hosts for alkali metal and ammonium ions. In MALDI experiments, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid proved to be the best matrix for these compounds. However, the intensity of the [M + H](+) ions was low for all compounds, and extensive fragmentation with consecutive elimination of CH(2)NR groups was observed.     

Ionisation and fragmentation of complex glycans with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer fitted with a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation ion source

This paper reports the use of an experimental matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) ion source fitted to a quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-Tof) mass spectrometer for the analysis of carbohydrates, particularly the N-linked glycans from glycoproteins. Earlier work on the Q-Tof instrument, using electrospray ionisation, gave excellent MS/MS spectra, particularly from the [M + Na]+ ions, but suffered from the major disadvantages that the signal was often split between singly and multiply charged ions and that sensitivity fell dramatically as the molecular weight of the carbohydrate rose. The MALDI ion source did not suffer from these problems and the instrument produced excellent MS and MS/MS spectra from small amounts of complex, underivatised glycans as well as those derivatised at the reducing terminus. Positive ion MS spectra of sialylated glycans recorded on the new instrument were much less complex than those recorded with a conventional MALDI-TOF instrument because of the absence of ions resulting from metastable (post-source decay, (PSD)) fragmentations occurring in the flight tube. However, considerable fragmentation by loss of sialic acid still occurred. MS/MS spectra of the [M + Na]+ ions from all compounds were almost identical to those recorded earlier with the electrospray-Q-Tof combination and far superior to MALDI-PSD spectra recorded with reflectron-TOF instruments. Spectra are shown for neutral and sialylated N-linked glycans from chicken ovalbumin, riboflavin binding protein, alpha1-acid glycoprotein, bovine fetuin and ribonuclease B, both as free glycans and as those derivatised at their reducing termini. The technique was applied to the structural determination of N-linked glycans from human secretory IgA and Apo-B 100 from human low-density lipoprotein.     

Matrix‐less laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry of polyphenols in red wine

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) of small molecules is challenging and in most cases impossible due to interferences from matrix ions precluding analysis of molecules <300–500 Da. A common matrix such as ferulic acid belongs to an important class of compounds associated with antioxidant activity. If the shared phenolic structure is related to the propensity as an active MALDI matrix then it follows that direct laser desorption/ionisation should be possible for polyphenols. Indeed matrix‐less laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry is achieved whereby the analyte functions as a matrix and was used to monitor low molecular weight compounds in wine samples. Sensitivity ranging from 0.12–87 pmol/spot was achieved for eight phenolic acids (4‐coumaric, 4‐hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, ferulic, gallic, protocatechuic, syringic, vanillic) and 0.02 pmol/spot for trans‐resveratrol. Additionally, 4‐coumaric, 4‐hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, ferulic, gallic, syringic, vanillic acids and trans‐resveratrol were identified in wine samples using accurate mass measurements consistent with reported profiles based on liquid chromatography (LC)/MS. Minimal sample pre‐treatment make the technique potentially appropriate for fingerprinting, screening and quality control of wine samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.