Improved mass accuracy for higher mass peptides by using SWIFT excitation for MALDI-FTICR mass spectrometry

Stepwise-external calibration has previously been shown to produce sub part-per-million (ppm) mass accuracy for the MALDI-FTICR/MS analyses of peptides up to m/z 2500. The present work extends these results to ions up to m/z 4000. Mass measurement errors for ions of higher mass-to-charge are larger than for ions below m/z 2500 when using conventional chirp excitation to detect ions. Mass accuracy obtained by using stored waveform inverse Fourier transform (SWIFT) excitation was evaluated and compared with chirp excitation. Analysis of measurement errors reveals that SWIFT excitation provides smaller deviations from the calibration equation and better mass accuracy than chirp excitation for a wide mass range and for widely varying ion populations.     

Improved detection of multi-phosphorylated peptides in the presence of phosphoric acid in liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

In contrast to lower phosphorylation states (e.g. the tryptic monophosphopeptide FQpSEEQQQTEDELQDK from bovine beta-casein), the specific detection of multi-phosphorylated peptides (e.g. the tetraphosphopeptide RELEELNVPGEIVEpSLpSpSpSEESITR from tryptic digestion of bovine beta-casein) has often been problematic for liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric (LC/MS) analysis owing to their high affinity for adsorption to exposed surfaces. We observed an enhancement in the overall detection of phosphopeptides on addition of phosphoric acid (0.1-1.0%) to the sample solution; a 10-fold increase in sensitivity was determined for the detection of two tryptic phosphopeptides and also a significant improvement in the detection of the tetraphosphopeptide. Using capillary LC with ion trap tandem MS for detection and identification, the achievable detection limits were 50 fmol and 50 pmol for the monophosphopeptide and the tetraphosphopeptide, respectively. Phosphoric acid is believed to act as a blocking agent to available silanol groups on both the silica capillary surface and the C(18)-bonded stationary phase silica surface.     

Improved mass accuracy in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of peptides

One problem of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry is the moderate mass accuracy that typically can be obtained in routine applications, Here we report improved mass accuracy for peptides, even when low amounts and complex peptide mixtures are used. A new procedure for preparing matrix surfaces is used, and there is no need to mix the matrix with the sample or to add internal standards. Examples are shown with a mass accuracy better than 50 ppm in a peptide mixture. Peptide mapping as well as sequencing by creating “ragged ends” or “ladder sequencing” should benefit especially from the improved mass accuracy.     

Improved analysis of membrane protein by PVDF-aided, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Characterization of membrane proteins remains an analytical challenge because of difficulties associated with tedious isolation and purification. This study presents the utility of the polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane for direct sub-proteome profiling and membrane protein characterization by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The hydrophobic adsorption of protein, particularly membrane proteins, on the PVDF surface enables efficient on-PVDF washing to remove high concentrations of detergents and salts, such as up to 5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The enhanced spectrum quality for MALDI detection is particularly notable for high molecular weight proteins. By using on-PVDF washing prior to MALDI detection, we obtained protein profiles of the detergent-containing and detergent-insoluble membrane fractions from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath). Similar improvements of signal-to-noise ratios were shown on the MALDI spectra for proteins electroblotted from SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) onto the PVDF membrane. We have applied this strategy to obtain intact molecular weights of the particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) composed of three intrinsic membrane-bound proteins, PmoA, PmoB, and PmoC. Together with peptide sequencing by tandem mass spectrometry, post-translational modifications including N-terminal acetylation of PmoA and PmoC and alternative C-terminal truncation of PmoB were identified. The above results show that PVDF-aided MALDI-MS can be an effective approach for profiling and characterization of membrane proteins.     

Selection of possible marker peptides for the detection of major ruminant milk proteins in food by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The aim of this work was the determination of peptides, which can function as markers for identification of milk allergens in food samples. Emphasis was placed on two casein proteins (α- and β-casein) and two whey proteins (α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin). In silico tryptic digestion provided preliminary information about the expected peptides. After tryptic digestion of four milk allergens, the analytical data obtained by combination of reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) led to the identification of 26 peptides. Seven of these peptides were synthesized and used for calibration of the LC-MS/MS system. Species specificity of the selected peptides was sought by BLAST search. Among the selected peptides, only LIVTQTMK from β-lactoglobulin (m/z 467.6, charge 2+) was found to be cow milk specific and could function as a marker. Two other peptides, FFVAPFPEVFGK from α-casein (m/z 693.3, charge 2+) and GPFPIIV from β-casein (m/z 742.5, charge 1+), occur in water buffalo milk too. The other four peptides appear in the milk of other species also and can be used as markers for ruminant species milk. Using these seven peptides, a multianalyte MS-based method was developed. For the establishment of the method, it was applied at first to different dairy samples, and then to chocolate and blank samples, and the peptides could be determined down to 1 ng/mL in food samples. At the end, spiked samples were measured, where the target peptides could be detected with a high recovery (over 50%).     

BSE control: detection of gelatine-derived peptides in animal feed by mass spectrometry

The epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is thought to have resulted from feeding scrapie-infected sheep to cattle. This has led to a ban of feeding animals with "processed animal protein"(PAP). We report a novel approach for the mass spectrometric detection of PAP contamination in animal feedstuffs by detecting gelatine, a derivative of the major animal protein collagen. A method was developed to hydrolyse gelatine standards with hydrochloric acid, followed by detection of the derived hydrolytic peptides at m/z 828, 915, 957 and 1044 by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS). The marker peptides can be detected at concentrations of 100 ng ml(-1) gelatine in water with MALDI. The procedure was adapted to obtain a suitable peptide map of gelatine extracted from spiked feed. The ratio of signal area of the gelatine-derived peptide at m/z 1044 to the internal standard at m/z 556 is shown to relate to the total amount of gelatine present in the sample.     

A liquid-liquid extraction procedure followed by a low temperature purification step for the analysis of macrocyclic lactones in milk by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and fluorescence detection

In this work a method is proposed and demonstrated for the analysis of the macrocyclic lactones abamectin, doramectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin and moxidectin in bovine milk by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FL). The method is based on liquid-liquid extraction followed by a low temperature purification (LLE-LTP) step. Moreover, the proposed method was validated according to the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, using LC-MS/MS and LC-FL for confirmatory and quantitative analysis, respectively. For LC-MS/MS the recovery rates observed ranged from 101.2 to 141.6% with coefficient of variation from 2.6 to 19.8%. For LC-FL the recovery rates observed ranged from 100.2 to 105% and coefficient of variations from 2.9 to 8.8%. Matrix effects were negligible due to the low temperature purification step. The quantification limits were far below the maximum limits established by regulations of all countries consulted. The proposed method proved to be simple, easy, and adequate for high-throughput analysis of a large number of samples per day at low cost.     

Efficient and clean charge derivatization of peptides for analysis by mass spectrometry

Charge derivatization with succinimidyloxycarbonylmethyl tris(2,4,6‐trimethoxyphenyl)phosphonium bromide (TMPP‐Ac‐OSu) has great potential in several aspects of proteomics, such as peptide de novo sequencing, PTM analysis, etc. However, the excess reagent and its side products greatly limited its scope of use. Here, we report an improved method to perform charge derivatization of peptides by TMPP‐Ac‐OSu without interference from the excess reagent and corresponding side products. Briefly, the protein was first separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) or coagulated with the gel. The protein in‐gel was then incubated with a high concentration of reagent, followed by extensive washing. Afterwards, the protein was in‐gel digested with trypsin according to the routine protocol. The mainly resultant peptides were attached with one positive tag on the N‐termini or Lys‐ε‐NH₂. The process has been successfully applied to 2‐DE resolved protein spots. Compared to the native proteins, the derivatized counterparts have higher rates of PMF identification and more straightforward tandem mass spectra. This promising method should pave the way for the practical use of charge derivatization in proteomics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

MALDI-MS and multivariate analysis for the detection and quantification of different milk species

The extensive consumption of milk and dairy products makes these foodstuffs targets for potential adulteration with financial gains for unscrupulous producers. Such practices must be detected as these can impact negatively on product quality, labelling and even health. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS) is a potentially useful technique, with proven abilities in protein identification and more recently through the use of internal standards for quantification purposes of specific proteins or peptides. In the current work, we therefore aim to explore the accuracy and attributes of MALDI-ToF-MS with chemometrics for the detection and quantification of milk adulteration. Three binary mixtures containing cows' and goats', cows' and sheep's, and goats' and sheep's milk and a fourth tertiary mixture containing all types of milk were prepared and analysed directly using MALDI-ToF-MS. In these mixtures, the milk concentrations of each milk varied from 0% to 100% in 5% steps. Multivariate statistical methods including partial least squares (PLS) regression and non-linear Kernel PLS regression were employed for multivariate calibration and final interpretation of the results. The results for PLS and KPLS were encouraging with between 2% and 13% root mean squared error of prediction on independent data; KPLS slightly outperformed PLS. We believe that these results show that MALDI-ToF-MS has excellent potential for future use in the dairy industry as a rapid method of detection and enumeration in milk adulteration.     

Solid-phase derivatization of tryptic peptides for rapid protein identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Solid-phase sulfonation of tryptic peptides adsorbed to C18 muZipTips has been carried out to facilitate de novo sequencing with mass spectrometry. Peptides are reacted with the sulfonation reagent while they are still adsorbed to the solid phase. Excess reagent passes through the ZipTip to waste. Washing the products before subsequent elution from the mini-column also affords sample cleanup prior to analysis. Near quantitative N-terminal sulfonation can be achieved reliably at room temperature in only a few seconds. The method has been applied successfully to model peptides and to solution or in-gel digests of proteins. Current sequencing limits are about 100 fmol of protein. Multiplexed sample sulfonation reactions have been carried out with a manual 8-position micropipettor or using centrifugal force to reliably pass reagents and wash solutions over sample-loaded ZipTips. With multiplexing, overall preparation times have been reduced to about 1 min per sample. The solid-phase format facilitates efficient use of precious digest samples by enabling them to be recovered from the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) sample stage after mass fingerprinting, derivatized and re-analyzed by MALDI postsource decay mass spectrometry.     

应用双向电泳和质谱联用技术研究乳源蛋白的差异性

应用双向电泳和质谱联用技术,对不同乳源蛋白的差异性进行了研究。根据ImageMaster 2DPlatinum图像分析软件对不同乳源酪蛋白和乳清蛋白的双向电泳(2-DE)图谱进行蛋白斑点的匹配分析,获得21个存在于水牛奶中主要分布在低丰度蛋白区的酪蛋白差异蛋白点和24个存在于水牛奶中乳清蛋白差异蛋白点。这些差异蛋白点经质谱鉴定分析,得到4个属于水牛奶酪蛋白的主要组分和2个与水牛奶中酪蛋白有较高同源性的新组分,同时获得4个属于水牛奶乳清蛋白的主要组分和3个与水牛奶中乳清蛋白有较高同源性的组分。     

Proteotypic peptides of hairs for the identification of common European domestic and wild animal species revealed by in-sample protein digestion and mass spectrometry analysis

The aim of this work is to offer an alternative or complementary analytical tool to the time-consuming and expensive methods commonly used for the recognition of animal species according to their hair. The paper introduces a simple and fast way for species differentiation of animal hairs called in-sample digestion. A total of 10 European animal species, including cat, cow, common degu, dog, fallow deer, goat, horse, sika deer, rabbit, roe deer, and 17 different breeds of dogs were examined using specific tryptic cleavage directly in hair followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight. Principal component analysis was used for the subsequent mass spectrometric data evaluation. This novel approach demonstrates the ability to distinguish among individual animal species, which is supported by finding characteristic m/z values obtained by the mass spectrometry for each animal species. The approach was successfully tested on two “blind” samples. On the other hand, the attempt to distinguish among hairs of different dog breeds has not been successful due to the very similar protein composition and their amino acid sequences.     

Optimization of capillary zone electrophoresis/electrospray ionization parameters for the mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry analysis of peptides

The solution chemistry conditions necessary for optimum analysis of peptides by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE)/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and CZE electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry have been studied. To maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the spectra it was found necessary to use acidic CZE buffers of low ionic strength. This not only increases the total ion current, but it also serves to fully protonate the peptides, minimizing the distribution of ion current across the ensemble of possible charge states. The use of acidic buffers protonates the peptides, which is advantageous for mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry analysis, but is problematic with CZE when bare fused silica CZE columns are used. These conditions produce positively charged peptides, and negatively charged silanol moieties on the column wall, inducing adsorption of the positively charged peptides, thus causing zone broadening and a loss in separation efficiency. This problem was circumvented by the preparation of chemically modified CZE columns, which, when used with acidic CZE buffers, will have a positively charged inner column wall. The electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged peptides and the positively charged CZE column wall minimizes adsorption problems and facilitates high efficiency separations. Full-scan mass spectra were acquired from injections of as little as 160 fmols of test peptides, with CZE separation efficiencies of up to 250,000 theoretical plates.     

样品制备方法对高效液相色谱-串联质谱分析人乳内源肽的影响

人乳内源肽是乳蛋白在乳腺中被降解形成的具有生理功能的肽,是人乳的重要组成部分,研究人乳内源肽对于婴儿健康具有重要的意义.高效液相色谱-串联质谱(LC-MS/MS)联用技术的应用,促使人乳内源肽的研究取得了突破性的进展.人乳中内源肽含量低、干扰组分多,样品制备方法是影响分析结果的关键步骤.为了研究样品制备方法对分析结果的...     

Determination of phthalates in milk and milk products by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric method using pneumatically assisted electrospray ionisation (LC/ESI-MS/MS) was developed for determination of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), di-'isononyl' phthalate (DINP) and di-'isodecyl' phthalate (DIDP) in milk and milk products including infant formulas. The phthalates were extracted by a mixture of tert-butyl methyl ether and hexane from liquid samples. DBP, BBP and DEHP were removed from fats by liquid/liquid extraction into acetonitrile while DINP and DIDP were cleaned up on deactivated silica. The phthalates were detected in positive ion mode after separation on a reversed-phase C5 analytical column. Two transition products were monitored for each compound. The detection limits related to the transition products of lowest abundance were in the range 5-9 microg/kg.     

Extending the application potential of capillary electrophoresis/frontal analysis for drug-plasma protein studies by combining it with mass spectrometry detection

CE/frontal analysis (CE/FA) is probably one of the most frequently used modes of CE for studying affinity interactions. It is typically performed with classic UV-Vis detection that suffers from low concentration sensitivity. To overcome this limitation, the applicability of CE/FA in combination with ESI-MS detection for the investigation of drug–HSA interactions was demonstrated. The developed new method combines the advantages of CE/FA, such as low sample consumption and no labeling or immobilization of interacting partners, with the benefits of MS detection, such as higher selectivity and sensitivity; moreover, it can be used for molecules lacking a fluorophore or chromophore. The binding parameters of tolbutamide (TL) and glimepiride (GLP), first- and second-generation antidiabetics that differ strongly in their solubility in aqueous solutions, were investigated by this CE/FA-MS method. This method, in contrast to the CE/FA method with the most commonly used UV-Vis detection, is more sensitive; an almost three times lower LOD was reached. The binding parameters of TL and GLP were investigated by this CE/FA-MS method and compared with the literature data. The binding constant value of TL obtained by UV-Vis detection was lower than the value obtained by the method hyphenated with MS detection, which is probably given by the influence of the ESI parameters on the stability of drug–HSA complex. In addition, the ratio of TL and HSA concentrations was divergent in both of the experimental approaches. Finally, it can be concluded that both detection methods have their strengths and weaknesses.     

Improved peptide detection with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry by trimethylation of amino groups

Trimethyl alpha-amino derivatives of peptides (penta to deca) with a permanent positive charge on their alpha-amino groups were prepared by in vacuo reaction with iodomethane and subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Compared to the unmodified peptide, the signal intensity of the trimethyl alpha-amino derivative in MALDI-MS is increased by at least an order of magnitude. Similarly, an octapeptide with a trimethylated epsilon-amino group derived from the solitary lysine residue of the B-chain of insulin also shows the same relative increase in signal intensity. Another advantage of the in vacuo methylation procedure is that trimethylation of a peptide amino group can be carried out readily with a combination of isotopes (13)CH(3)I and (12)CH(3)I or CD(3)I and CH(3)I, yielding a doublet signal either 3 or 9 units apart, respectively. The presence or absence of such a doublet signal can be used as a criterion to discriminate between peptide and non-peptide signals in the mass spectrum.     

Direct surface analysis of fungal species by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

In this study various methods of sample preparation and matrices were investigated to determine optimum collection and analysis criteria for fungal analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Intact spores and/or hyphae of Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei and Phanerochaete chrysosporium were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). The fungal samples were applied to the MALDI sample target as untreated, sonicated, or acid/heat treated samples, or blotted directly from the fungal culture with double-stick tape. Ferulic acid or sinapinic acid matrix solution was layered over the dried samples and analyzed by MALDI-MS. Statistical analysis showed that simply using double-stick tape to collect and transfer to a MALDI sample plate typically worked as well as the other preparation methods, and required the least sample handling.     

Amino acid identification and sequence analysis of peptides by reaction mass spectrometry

Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) is applied to distinguish N-terminal series ions from C-terminal series ions of a peptide by on-probe acetylation, it providesvaluable information about the sequence of an unknown peptide. The FAB mass spectra containa number of characteristic ions at low-mass region in addition to the sequence ions at high-massregion. It was found that the ions below m/z 200 are characteristic of the amino acid composition ofthe peptide, from which the amino acid composition of the peptide could be estimated. Additionally,mixture analysis is also discussed.