Three-layer matrix/sample preparation method for MALDI MS analysis of low nanomolar protein samples

A robust and sensitive sample preparation method is presented for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric analysis of low nanomolar concentrations of proteins containing high amounts of common salts and buffers. This method involves the production of densely packed sub-micrometer matrix crystals by depositing a matrix solution on top of a matrix seed-layer prepared on a MALDI target. A sub-microliter aliquot of analyte solution is then directly added to the top of the matrix crystals to form a thin-layer. alpha-Cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (4-HCCA) is used as matrix and demonstrated to give better performance than other commonly used matrices, such as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), 2-(4-hydroxy-phenylazo) benzoic acid (HABA), or sinapinic acid. This three-layer method is shown to be superior to the other MALDI sample preparation methods, particularly for handling low nanomolar protein solutions containing salts and buffers.     

Silver cluster interferences in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry of nonpolar polymers

Potential difficulties associated with background silver salt clusters during matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) of nonpolar polymers are reported. Silver salt cluster ions were observed from m/z 1500 to 7000 when acidic, polar matrices, such as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), all-trans-retinoic acid (RTA) or 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)benzoic acid (HABA), were used for the analysis of nonpolar polymers. These background signals could be greatly reduced or eliminated by the use of nonpolar matrices such as anthracene or pyrene. Representative examples of these background interferences are demonstrated during the analysis of low molecular weight nonpolar polymers including polybutadiene and polystyrene. Nonpolar polymers analyzed with acidic, polar matrices (e.g., RTA) and silver cationization reagents can yield lower quality mass spectral results when interferences due to silver clusters are present. Replacing the polar matrices with nonpolar matrices or the silver salts with copper salts substantially improved the quality of the analytical results. In addition, it was found that silver contamination cannot be completely removed from standard stainless steel sample plates, although the presence of silver contamination was greatly reduced after thorough cleaning of the sample plate with aluminum oxide grit. Carry-over silver may cationize polymer samples and complicate the interpretation of data obtained using nonpolar matrices in the absence of added cationization reagents.     

Strategies for the analysis of poly(methacrylic acid) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

We evaluated several aqueous-based sample preparation protocols for the analysis of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). The sample contained a pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) end-group, and was characterized in positive and negative ion modes using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) and 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP) matrices. The major series observed were the [M + Na](+) species, in positive ion mode, and the [M - H](-) species, in negative ion mode. The performance of DHB and THAP matrices was comparable in positive ion mode, but THAP outperformed DHB in negative ion mode. The use of ion-exchange beads (IXB) benefited the analysis, while the addition of sodium acetate (NaOAc) or trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) proved disadvantageous in positive ion mode.     

Using solvent-free sample preparation to promote protonation of poly(ethylene oxide)s with labile end-groups in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation

Protonation is usually required to observe intact ions during matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) of polymers containing fragile end-groups while cation adduction induces chain-end degradation. These polymers, generally obtained via living free radical polymerization techniques, are terminated with a functionality in which a bond is prone to homolytic cleavage, as required by the polymerization process. A solvent-free sample preparation method was used here to avoid salt contaminant from the solvent traditionally used in the dried-droplet MALDI procedure. Solvent-based and solvent-free sample preparations were compared for a series of three poly(ethylene oxide) polymers functionalized with a labile end-group in a nitroxide-mediated polymerization reaction, using 2,4,6-trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP) as the matrix without any added salt. Intact oligomer ions could only be produced as protonated molecules in solvent-free MALDI while sodium adducts of degraded polymers were formed from the dried-droplet samples. Although MALDI analysis was performed at the laser threshold, fragmentation of protonated macromolecules was still observed to occur. However, in contrast to sodiated molecules, dissociation of protonated oligomers does not involve the labile C--ON bond of the end-group. As the macromolecule size increased, protonation appeared to be less efficient and sodium adduction became the dominant ionization process, although no sodium salt was added in the preparation. Formation of sodiated degraded macromolecules would be dictated by increasing cation affinity as the size of the oligomers increases and would reveal the presence of salts at trace levels in the MALDI samples.     

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy as a tool supporting optimization of MALDI-TOF MS analysis of polylactides

We report systematic structural studies of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) employing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. (13)C cross polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR data for 1,8-dihydroxy-9-anthracenone (DT), 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)-benzoic acid (HABA), and trans-3-indoleacrylic acid (IAA), four matrices commonly used in MALDI-TOF analysis of polymers, were analyzed to test the influence of crystallization conditions (solvent, inorganic salt) on sample morphology. (13)C principal elements of chemical shift tensor (CST) and line-shape analyses were employed to study of the nature of hydrogen bonding and to evaluate the crystallinity and amorphicity of the pure polymer. NMR parameters for PLLA were compared with data for polylactide crystallized with the four matrices under different conditions with the addition of two inorganic salts as cationization agents. This study revealed that the semicrystalline structure of the polymer does not change when it is embedded in the matrix.     

Coordination polymers from polycondensates and metal oxides. II. Effect of water molecules on the reactions of polyesters with Mgo and Zno

Polyester molecules containing free carboxyl end-groups react with MgO and ZnO as polydendate ligands to form donor–acceptor complexes, followed by the increase in molecular weight of the original polyester. The role of water in these coordination reactions was studied. It was demonstrated that the water can catalyze the reactions by promoting an ionization effect. In some case it can coordinate to the metal compound and effectively compete with the other ligands present.     

芳香环状聚膦酸酯齐聚物的基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱分析

用基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱方法对一系列芳香环状聚膦酸酯低聚物进行了结构分析。比较了不同基质及阳离子剂对芳香环状聚膦酸酯分析结果的影响。1,8,9-蒽三酚基质仅对含有羰基基团聚膦酸酯环状齐聚物分析有效,而视黄酸基质则对所有聚膦酸酯环状剂聚物有效,是这类新型芳香环状齐聚物的适宜基质。环状聚膦酸酯齐聚物的阳离子齐分析表明,氯化锂是这种环状齐聚物的适宜的阳离子添加剂。     

On the use of DHB/aniline and DHB/<Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>-dimethylaniline matrices for improved detection of carbohydrates: Automated identification of oligosaccharides and quantitative analysis of sialylated glycans by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

This study demonstrates the application of 2,5-dihydrohybenzoic acid/aniline (DHB/An) and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid/N,N-dimethylaniline (DHB/DMA) matrices for automated identification and quantitative analysis of native oligosaccharides by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Both matrices are shown to be superior to pure DHB for native glycans in terms of signal intensities of analytes and homogeneity of sample distribution throughout the crystal layer. On-target formation of stable aniline Schiff base derivatives of glycans in DHB/An and the complete absence of such products in the mass spectra acquired in DHB/DMA matrix provide a platform for automated identification of reducing oligosaccharides in the MALDI mass spectra of complex samples. The study also shows how enhanced sensitivity is achieved with the use of these matrices and how the homogeneity of deposited sample material may be exploited for quick and accurate quantitative analysis of native glycan mixtures containing neutral and sialylated oligosaccharides in the low-nanogram to mid-picogram range.     

The cationization mechanism study of novel oligo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-phenyleneethynylene)s

Two series of new oligo(p-phenyleneethynylene)s (OPEs) O1-O4 and O5-O8, which have been proven to be one of the chief classes of molecules mainly used as the wires and other potential backbones of molecular electronic devices, have been synthesized by stepwise synthetic approach. The characterization of these oligomers was performed on MALDI TOF MS. Different cationization salts have been applied to investigate the ionization processes of these series of oligomers under MALDI conditions. The experimental results show that these oligomers display a strong tendency to undergo radical cationization and varied ionization efficiency with different cationization agents attributable to their difference in cationic diameters. Furthermore, we found that these two series of oligomers differed in ionization properties because of their different end-groups even when the same cationization agent was used.     

Synthese de substances macromoleculaires renfermant des motifs monomeres derives de colorants—XIX: Synthese d'oligoethers et d'oligoesters colores par structure

Oligo-oxyethylenes and oligo(oxyethylenes-Co-oxypropylenes) with hydroxy end-groups have been modified by nitration and amination of the end-groups; the modification was partial in some cases and complete in others. Amino end-groups have been diazotized and the oligomers with azo end-groups have been coupled with β oxynaphthic acid and N,N′diethylaniline. Oligomers with chromophoric and hydroxy groups in the chain have been used to prepare polyurethane foams. Structurally coloured polyesters have been synthesized similarly and used to prepare polyurethane elastomers. All these oligomers have been characterized by i.r. and visible spectroscopy, NMR, end-group titration, vapour pressure osmometry and thermal differential analysis.     

Azo-group reduction during the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization process in the presence of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid

Some time ago, we published an announcement that the azo group that closes model cyclic peptides is often reduced in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) in the presence of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHB) as the matrix. In this work, we demonstrate that these peptides are ionized in all DHB matrix isomers, although threshold ionization laser energies as well as the reduction ratios differ in each matrix. Using a NALDI plate, we confirmed that their reduction depends on the presence of DHB matrix and that the hydrogen atoms participating in the reaction come from the DHB matrix hydroxyl group. We show that the reduction ratio is affected by the overall covalent structure of the peptide, by the presence of a free carboxyl group in DHB matrix, by the mutual position of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, as well as the laser beam intensity. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the azo-group reduction in cyclic peptides is a very complex process and we are far from fully understanding its nature. We hope that our experimental results will help to shed some light on the MALDI process that still remains mysterious in some of its aspects.     

Effects of substrate surfaces in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

For matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectra, undesirable ion contamination can occur due to the direct laser excitation of substrate materials (i.e., laser desorption/ionization (LDI)) if the samples do not completely cover the substrate surfaces. In this study, comparison is made of LDI processes on substrates of indium and silver, which easily emit their own ions upon laser irradiation, and conventional materials, stainless steel and gold. A simultaneous decrease of ion intensities with the number of laser pulses is observed as a common feature. By the application of an indium substrate to the MALDI mass spectrometry of alkali salts and alkylammonium salts mixed with matrices, 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) or N‐(4‐methoxybenzylidene)‐4‐butylaniline (MBBA), the mixing of LDI processes can be detected by the presence of indium ions in the mass spectra. This method has also been found to be useful for investigating the intrinsic properties of the MALDI matrices: DHB samples show an increase in the abundance of fragment ions of matrix molecules and cesium ions with the number of laser pulses irradiating the same sample spot; MBBA samples reveal a decrease in the level of background noise with an increase in the thickness of the sample layer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In-source decay of hyperbranched polyesteramides in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Hyperbranched polyesteramides (DA2), prepared from hexahydrophthalic anhydride (D) and diisopropanolamine (A) have been characterized, by use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), field desorption (FD)-MS, and electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS. MALDI of polyesteramides produces protonated molecules. The spectra show a complex chemical composition distribution and end-group distribution which are mainly composed of two series of homologous oligomers DnA(n)+1 - mH2O and DnA(n) - mH2O, where m = 1-2. Signals from protonated molecules DnAn+1 and DnAn are almost absent in the MALDI spectrum, whereas these ions are responsible for the base peak of DnA(n)+1 - mH2O and DnA(n) - mH2O (m = 1-2) clusters in the ESI spectrum. The absence of -OH end-groups signals in the MALDI spectrum is due to a metastable decay of protonated DnA(n)+1 and DnAn ions in the ion source of the MALDI mass spectrometer prior to ion extraction. In-source decay results in the formation of protonated lower DnA(n)+1 - mH2O and DnA(n) - mH2O oligomers and their corresponding neutrals, leading to wrong conclusions concerning the relative end-group distribution as a function of the degree of polymerization and the chemical composition.     

Effect of matrix and solvent on the analysis of novel poly(phenylenevinylene) derivatives by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Six novel poly(phenylenevinylene) (PPV) derivatives carrying butoxy or myrtanyl groups, including poly(2-butoxy-m-phenylenevinylene) (Bu-MPV), poly(2,5-dibutoxy-p-phenylenevinylene-alter-p-phenylenevinylene) (Bu-PPPV), poly(2,5-dibutoxy-p-phenylenevinylene-alter-m-phenylenevinylene) (Bu-PMPV), poly(2-myrtanyl-m-phenylenevinylene) (Myr-MPV), poly(2,5-dimyrtanyl-p-phenylenevinylene-alter-p-phenylenevinylene) (Myr-PPPV), and poly(2,5-dimyrtanyl-p-phenylenevinylene-alter-m-phenylenevinylene) (Myr-PMPV), were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). The repeat unit mass and the end-group structures of each sample were obtained. Distinctly different spectra with different ion series and/or different ion signal intensities were observed for the analytes Bu-MPV, Myr-MPV, Bu-PPPV, Myr-PPPV and Myr-PMPV when different matrices were used, and different ion series were acquired when different solvents were used for Myr-PPPV and Myr-PMPV. The results show that the PPV oligomers with different shapes and/or with different end groups can be selectively desorbed and ionized in MALDI by using different matrices.     

Anionic oligomerization of dimethyl itaconate

Methanolic solutions of alkali metal and magnesium methoxides were used as initiators for the oligomerization of dimethyl itaconate in methanol, DMF and DMSO. The yield of oligomers was higher in the aprotic solvents. The oligomeric mixtures contained a preponderance of trimer, the structure of which was elucidated by mass spectrometry as a cyclohexane derivative. The oligomers contained no methoxyl end-groups, and initiation is postulated to be an acid-base reaction, in which the allylic hydrogen α- to the carbonyl is abstracted. This belief was supported by the fact that the use of sodium naphthalene and triethylamine as initiators gave the same oligomers. The trimer was tested as a plasticizer.     

Characterization of natural wax esters by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry

The applicability of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to the analysis of wax esters (WEs) was investigated. A series of metal salts of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) was synthesized and tested as possible matrices. Alkali metal (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) and transition metal (Cu, Ag) salts were studied. The matrix properties were evaluated, including solubility in organic solvents, threshold laser power that should be applied for successful desorption/ionization of WEs, the nature of the matrix ions and the mass range occupied by them, and the complexity of the isotope clusters for individual metals. Lithium salt of dihydroxybenzoic acid (LiDHB) performed the best and matrices with purified lithium isotopes ((6)LiDHB or (7)LiDHB) were recommended for WEs. Three sample preparation procedures were compared: (1) mixing the sample and matrix in a glass vial and deposition of the mixture on a MALDI plate (Mix), (2) deposition of sample followed by deposition of matrix (Sa/Ma), and (3) deposition of matrix followed by deposition of sample (Ma/Sa). Morphology of the samples was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The best sample preparation technique was Ma/Sa with the optimum sample to matrix molar ratio 1 : 100. Detection limit was in the low picomolar range. The relative response of WEs decreased with their molecular weight, and minor differences between signals of saturated and monounsaturated WEs were observed. MALDI spectra of WEs showed molecular adducts with lithium [M + Li](+). Fragments observed in postsource decay (PSD) spectra were related to the acidic part of WEs [RCOOH + Li](+) and they were used for structure assignment. MALDI with LiDHB was used for several samples of natural origin, including insect and plant WEs. A good agreement with GC/MS data was achieved. Moreover, MALDI allowed higher WEs to be analyzed, up to 64 carbon atoms in Ginkgo biloba leaves extract.     

Gold nanoparticles as assisted matrices for the detection of biomolecules in a high-salt solution through laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) serve as matrices for the determination of biomolecules in a high-salt solution through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). In the case of using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHB) as a matrix, the signal intensities of neutral steroids were severely suppressed in a high-salt solution. A high concentration of NaCl caused the formation of the sodium adduct ions during the desorption/ionization process, resulting in a decrease of the signal intensities of the protonated ions. In comparison, by applying AuNP-assisted LDI-TOF-MS, the signal intensities of neutral steroids remained almost constant when the concentration of NaCl was increased to 500 mM. Because the use of citrate-capped AuNPs as matrices primarily offers alkali metal ion adducts, AuNP matrices have a higher tolerance to high NaCl concentrations relative to that of 2,5-DHB matrices. The relevant phenomena are also discovered in the case of analysis of neutral carbohydrate, monosialoganglioside, indolamine, and angiotensin I. The quantification of small molecules in a high-salt solution has been accomplished by AuNP-assisted LDI-TOF-MS coupled to a unique sample preparation, in which samples are deposited onto the sample plate before AuNPs. The present method has been further applied to the determination of urea, creatinine, uric acid, and glucose in a urine sample.     

End-group characterization of poly(styrene sulfonate sodium salt) by activated electron photo-detachment dissociation

Tandem mass spectrometry of poly(styrene sulfonate sodium salt) (PSS) was performed after activated electron photo-detachment dissociation (activated EPD). In this technique, doubly charged PSS oligomers were first produced in negative mode electrospray ionization, then oxidized into radical anions upon electron photo-detachment using a 220 nm laser wavelength, and further activated by collision. In contrast to the collision-induced dissociation (CID) of negatively charged PSS oligomers, which does not provide informative data with regard to the end-groups, activated-EPD is shown here to promote radical-induced dissociation reactions thanks to the oxidation of a sulfonate group upon laser irradiation. Major product ions generated after backbone bond cleavages contained one or the other chain terminations and could be accounted for by two main mechanisms. Moreover, each of the proposed dissociation reactions was shown to generate two distinct fragments, depending on the location of the oxidized monomer near one or the other chain terminal moieties. As a result, a combination of these two fragments allowed a straightforward mass characterization of each end-group.     

Selective imaging of positively charged polar and nonpolar lipids by optimizing matrix solution composition

Previous studies have shown that matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐IMS) is useful for studying the distribution of various small metabolites, particularly lipids. However, in this technique, selective ionization of the target molecules is imperative, particularly when analyzing small molecules. Since the sample clean‐up procedures available for the MALDI‐IMS of small metabolites are limited, the tissue sample will contain numerous molecular species other than the target molecules. These molecules will compete for ionization resulting in severe ion suppression. Hence, it is necessary to develop and optimize a sample preparation protocol for the target molecules. In this study, through model experiments using reference compounds, we optimized the composition of the matrix solution used for positively charged lipids in terms of the concentration of the organic solvent and presence/absence of alkali metal salts. We demonstrated that a high concentration of organic solvent in the matrix solution favors the preferential detection of lipids over peptides. The presence of alkali metal salts in the matrix solution was favorable for the detection of polar lipids, while a salt‐free matrix solution was suitable for the detection of nonpolar lipids. Furthermore, potassium salts added to the matrix solution caused merging of various lipid adducts (adducts with proton, sodium, and potassium) into one single potassiated species. Using the optimized protocols, we selectively analyzed phosphatidylcholine (PC) and triacylglycerol (TG) with different fatty acid compositions in a rat kidney section. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.