Block length determination of the block copolymer mPEG‐b‐PS using MALDI‐TOF MS/MS

The molar mass determination of block copolymers, in particular amphiphilic block copolymers, has been challenging with chromatographic techniques. Therefore, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(styrene) (mPEG‐b‐PS) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and characterized in detail not only by conventional chromatographic techniques, such as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), but also by matrix‐assisted laser/desorption ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS/MS). As expected, different molar mass values were obtained in the SEC measurements depending on the calibration standards (either PEG or PS). In contrast, MALDI‐TOF MS/MS analysis allowed the molar mass determination of each block, by the scission of the weakest point between the PEG and PS block. Thus, fragments of the individual blocks could be obtained. The PEG block showed a depolymerization reaction, while for the PS block fragments were obtained in the monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric regions as a result of multiple chain scissions. The block length of PEG and PS could be calculated from the fragments recorded in the MALDI‐TOF MS/MS spectrum. Furthermore, the assignment of the substructures of the individual blocks acquired by MALDI‐TOF MS/MS was accomplished with the help of the fragments that were obtained from the corresponding homopolymers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS for archaeological lipid residue analysis

Soft‐ionization methods are currently at the forefront of developing novel methods for analysing degraded archaeological organic residues. Here, we present little‐used soft ionization method of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization‐Fourier transform‐ion cyclotron resonance‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS) for the identification of archaeological lipid residues. It is a high‐resolution and sensitive method with low limits of detection capable of identifying lipid compounds in small concentrations, thus providing a highly potential new technique for the analysis of degraded lipid components. A thorough methodology development for analysing cooked and degraded food remains from ceramic vessels was carried out, and the most efficient sample preparation protocol is described. The identified components, also controlled by independent parallel analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS), demonstrate its capability of identifying very different food residues including dairy, adipose fats as well as lipids of aquatic origin. The results obtained from experimentally cooked and original archaeological samples prove the suitability of MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS for analysing archaeological organic residues. Sample preparation protocol and identification of compounds provide future reference for analysing various aged and degraded lipid residues in different organic and mineral matrices.     

Hydrazide and hydrazine reagents as reactive matrices for MALDI‐MS to detect gaseous aldehydes

The reagents 19 hydrazide and 14 hydrazine were examined to function as reactive matrices for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) to detect gaseous aldehydes. Among them, two hydrazide (2‐hydroxybenzohydrazide and 3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoic acid hydrazide) and two hydrazine reagents [2‐hydrazinoquinoline and 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)] were found to react efficiently with carbonyl groups of gaseous aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde); these are the main factors for sick building syndrome and operate as reactive matrices for MALDI‐MS. Results from accurate mass measurements by JMS‐S3000 Spiral‐TOF suggested that protonated ion peaks corresponding to [M + H]⁺ from the resulting derivatives were observed in all cases with the gaseous aldehydes in an incubation, time‐dependent manner. The two hydrazide and two hydrazine reagents all possessed absorbances at 337 nm (wavelength of MALDI nitrogen laser), with, significant electrical conductivity of the matrix crystal and functional groups, such as hydroxy group and amino group, being important for desorption/ionization efficiency in MALDI‐MS. To our knowledge, this is the first report that gaseous molecules could be derivatized and detected directly in a single step by MALDI‐MS using novel reactive matrices that were derivatizing agents with the ability to enhance desorption/ionization efficiency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of Z‐sinapinic matrix in peptide MALDI‐MS analysis

Since introduction of sinapinic acid (SA) and α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid as matrices, successful application of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry started for protein/polypeptides. Both show some limitations in short peptide analysis because matrix clusters are quite abundant. Cinnamics currently used are E‐cinnamics. Here, Z‐SA as matrix for peptides is studied and compared with E‐SA and α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid. Minor number of clusters is always observed in the low m/z region allowing the detection of short peptides. The results here described show that this novel matrix is a tool of choice for direct, rapid and sensitive detection of hydrophilic and hydrophobic peptides. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An approach to differentiating between multi‐ and monolayers using MALDI‐TOF MS

Analysis and confirmation of monolayer film thickness on metal oxide surfaces has proven to be challenging. XPS and AFM have been used to investigate the monolayer formation. However, these techniques are difficult to access and/or determine the composition of the organic molecules on the surfaces. Here we demonstrate the ability of MALDI‐TOF to characterize long alkyl chain phosphonic acid molecules in thin films on titanium, iron and stainless steel. These systems are known to be stable, strongly adhered films. The thin films were characterized by IR, AFM, contact angle measurements and the results were confirmed by MALDI‐TOF. Moreover, the MALDI‐TOF was used to differentiate between mono‐ and multilayers on planar surfaces. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of monoclonal antibody by a novel CE‐UV/MALDI‐MS interface

mAbs are highly complex proteins that present a wide range of microheterogeneity that requires multiple analytical methods for full structure assessment and quality control. As a consequence, the characterization of mAbs on different levels is particularly product‐ and time‐consuming. CE‐MS couplings, especially to MALDI, appear really attractive methods for the characterization of biological samples. In this work, we report the last instrumental development and performance of the first totally automated off‐line CE‐UV/MALDI‐MS/MS. This interface is based on the removal of the original UV cell of the CE apparatus, modification of the spotting device geometry, and creation of an integrated delivery matrix system. The performance of the method was evaluated with separation of five intact proteins and a tryptic digest mixture of nine proteins. Intact protein application shows the acquisition of electropherograms with high resolution and high repeatability. In the peptide mapping approach, a total number of 154 unique identified peptides were characterized using MS/MS spectra corresponding to average sequence coverage of 64.1%. Comparison with NanoLC/MALDI‐MS/MS showed complementarity at the peptide level with an increase of 42% when using CE/MALDI‐MS coupling. Finally, this work represents the first analysis of intact mAb charge variants by CZE using an MS detection. Moreover, using a peptide mapping approach CE‐UV/MALDI‐MS/MS fragmentation allowed 100% sequence coverage of the light chain and 92% of the heavy chain, and the separation of four major glycosylated peptides and their structural characterization.     

Applicability of MALDI‐TOF MS for determination of quinolone residues in fish

MALDI‐TOF MS approach for determination of six quinolones residues in fillets of pangasius (Pangasionodon hypophthalmus) was studied, considering that is a very sensitive analytical technique with simple and high‐throughput operation, contributing to knowledge regarding application of this technique to the determination of small‐molecular‐weight organic compound residues in foods. LIFT‐MS/MS showed to be a successful approach to identify the presence of all quinolone residues in the fish fillet, at their respective MRL level. This study opens an important field of research for the development of simple and high‐throughput bioanalytical screening methods for the determination of veterinary drug residues in foods.     

Collagen‐based proteinaceous binder‐pigment interaction study under UV ageing conditions by MALDI‐TOF‐MS and principal component analysis

This study focuses on acquiring information on the degradation process of proteinaceous binders due to ultra violet (UV) radiation and possible interactions owing to the presence of historical mineral pigments. With this aim, three different paint model samples were prepared according to medieval recipes, using rabbit glue as proteinaceus binders. One of these model samples contained only the binder, and the other two were prepared by mixing each of the pigments (cinnabar or azurite) with the binder (glue tempera model samples). The model samples were studied by applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to their mass spectra obtained with Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization‐Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS). The complementary use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to study conformational changes of secondary structure of the proteinaceous binder is also proposed. Ageing effects on the model samples after up to 3000 h of UV irradiation were periodically analyzed by the proposed approach. PCA on MS data proved capable of identifying significant changes in the model samples, and the results suggested different aging behavior based on the pigment present. This research represents the first attempt to use this approach (PCA on MALDI‐TOF‐MS data) in the field of Cultural Heritage and demonstrates the potential benefits in the study of proteinaceous artistic materials for purposes of conservation and restoration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of different poly(2‐oxazoline) block copolymers by MALDI‐TOF MS/MS and ESI‐Q‐TOF MS/MS

A complete library of poly(2‐oxazoline) block copolymers was synthesized via cationic ring opening polymerization for the characterization by two different soft ionization techniques, namely matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐Q‐TOF MS). In addition, a detailed characterization was performed by tandem MS to gain more structural information about the block copolymer composition and its fragmentation behavior. The fragmentation of the poly(2‐oxazoline) block copolymers revealed the desired polymer structure and possible side reactions, which could be explained by different mechanisms, like 1,4‐ethylene or hydrogen elimination and the McLafferty +1 rearrangement. Polymers with aryl side groups showed less fragmentation due to their higher stability compared to polymers with alkyl side groups. These insights represent a further step toward the construction of a library with fragments and their fragmentation pathways for synthetic polymers, following the successful examples in proteomics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

High‐Mass MALDI‐MS Analysis for the Investigation of Protein Encapsulation within an Engineered Capsid Forming Protein

Chemical cross‐linking combined with MALDI ‐MS was applied to structural analysis of a protein nanocontainer. Specifically, an engineered variant of lumazine synthase from Aquifex aeolicus (AaLS ‐13) was investigated that self‐assembles into a capsid‐like structure and is known to encapsulate other proteins by Coulombic attraction. Two complementary soft ionization techniques, MALDI ‐MS and native ESI ‐MS , were utilized to map the subunit stoichiometry of the high molecular weight capsid. In accordance with the previously reported cryo‐electron microscopy structure of this protein container, only pentameric subunits were detected. This study highlights the possibility to map subunit stoichiometry via chemical cross‐linking with glutaraldehyde followed by MALDI ‐MS . The same approach was used to study protein‐protein interactions during encapsulation of GFP (+36) by the AaLS ‐13 capsid. Heterocomplexes between GFP (+36) and AaLS ‐13 multimers were not observed when mixed at maximal loading capacity (AalS‐13 monomer:GFP (+36) 4:1). This is in agreement with the known fast encapsulation of GFP (+36) by the protein capsid, which essentially removes any free GFP (+36) from the solution. Exceeding the maximal loading capacity by addition of excess GFP (+36) results in aggregation.     

Analysis of dammar resin with MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS and APCI‐FT‐ICR‐MS

Comprehensive analysis of high‐resolution mass spectra of aged natural dammar resin obtained with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT‐ICR‐MS) using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) is presented. Dammar resin is one of the most important components of painting varnishes. Dammar resin is a terpenoid resin (dominated by triterpenoids) with intrinsically very complex composition. This complexity further increases with aging. Ten different solvents and two‐component solvent mixtures were tested for sample preparation. The most suitable solvent mixtures for the MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS analysis were dichloromethane‐acetone and dichloromethane‐ethanol. The obtained MALDI‐FTMS mass spectrum contains nine clusters of peaks in the m/z range of 420–2200, and the obtained APCI‐FTMS mass spectrum contains three clusters of peaks in the m/z range of 380–910. The peaks in the clusters correspond to the oxygenated derivatives of terpenoids differing by the number of C₁₅H₂₄ units. The clusters, in turn, are composed of subclusters differing by the number of oxygen atoms in the molecules. Thorough analysis and identification of the components (or groups of components) by their accurate m/z ratios was carried out, and molecular formulas (elemental compositions) of all major peaks in the MALDI‐FTMS and APCI‐FTMS spectra were identified (and groups of possible isomeric compounds were proposed). In the MALDI‐FTMS and APCI‐FTMS mass spectrum, besides the oxidized C₃₀, triterpenoids also peaks corresponding to C₂₉ and C₃₁ derivatives of triterpenoids (demethylated and methylated, correspondingly) were detected. MALDI and APCI are complementary ionization sources for the analysis of natural dammar resin. In the MALDI source, preferably polar (extensively oxidized) components of the resin are ionized (mostly as Na⁺ adducts), whereas in the APCI source, preferably nonpolar (hydrocarbon and slightly oxidized) compounds are ionized (by protonation). Either of the two ionization methods, when used alone, gives an incomplete picture of the dammar resin composition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

MALDI‐TOF MS Coupled with Collision‐Induced Dissociation (CID) Measurements of Poly(methyl methacrylate)

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) was chosen for an in‐detail analysis of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in order to determine the possible fragmentation mechanism with the help of collision‐induced dissociation (CID). All experiments were performed on a well‐defined PMMA standard and were optimized for sample preparation and measurement conditions of both MS and MS/MS. In order to investigate the fragmentation pathways, two parent peaks—both charged with sodium (m/z = 1 625.9 and 2 226.2 Da, respectively)—were selected, thus permitting the examination of possible cleavages, and reaction pathways. For both chosen peaks, the MALDI‐TOF MS/MS spectra revealed four fragmentation series that could be explained by single or multiple main chain scissions and secondary reactions of the PMMA side groups. According to the molar mass of the fragments, a loss or migration of the side group to the end of the free radical, followed by a β‐scission, was favored. These insights are the first steps toward the construction of a library with fragments and fragmentation pathways, complementary to proteomics libraries, in order to obtain fast and automated identification of substances.

     

2,5‐Dihydroxybenzoic acid solution in MALDI‐MS: ageing and use for mass calibration

2,5‐Dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) is one of the most widely used and studied matrix compounds in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. However, the influence of ageing of the DHB solution on the MALDI mass spectra has not been yet systematically studied. In this work, the possible changes occurring in the acidified acetonitrile/water solution of the MALDI matrix compound DHB during 1‐year usage period have been monitored with MALDI‐Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (MALDI‐FT‐ICR‐MS) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FT‐IR) spectroscopy. No significant ageing products have been detected. The ability of the aged DHB solution to act as a MALDI matrix was tested with two materials widely used in art and conservation – bone glue (a proteinaceous material) and shellac resin (a resinous material) – and good results were obtained. A number of peaks in the mass spectra measured from the DHB solution were identified, which can be used for internal calibration of the mass axis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

9,10‐Diphenylanthracene as a matrix for MALDI‐MS electron transfer secondary reactions

The most common secondary‐ionization mechanism in positive ion matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) involves a proton transfer reaction to ionize the analyte. Peptides and proteins are molecules that have basic (and acidic) sites that make them susceptible to proton transfer. However, non‐polar, aprotic compounds that lack basic sites are more difficult to protonate, and creating charged forms of this type of analyte can pose a problem when conventional MALDI matrices are employed. In this case, forming a radical molecular ion through electron transfer is a viable alternative, and certain matrices may facilitate the process. In this work, we investigate the performance of a newly developed electron‐transfer secondary reaction matrix: 9,10‐diphenylanthracene (9,10‐DPA). The use of 9,10‐DPA as matrix for MALDI analysis has been tested using several model compounds. It appears to promote ionization through electron transfer in a highly efficient manner as compared to other potential matrices. Thermodynamic aspects of the observed electron transfers in secondary‐ionization reactions were also considered, as was the possibility for kinetically controlled/endothermic, electron‐transfer reactions in the MALDI plume. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Applications of MALDI‐TOF MS to large‐scale human mtDNA population‐based studies

Analysis of the mitochondrial DNA variation in populations is commonly carried out in many fields of biomedical research. We propose the analysis of mitochondrial DNA coding region SNP (mtSNP) variation to a high level of phylogenetic resolution based on MALDI‐TOF MS. The African phylogeny has been chosen to test the applicability of the technique but any other part of the worldwide phylogeny (or any other mtSNP panel) could be equally suitable for MALDI‐TOF MS genotyping. SNP selection thus aimed to fully cover all the mtSNPs defining major and minor branches of the known African tree, including, macro‐haplogroup L, and haplogroups M1, and U6. A total of 230 mtSNPs were finally selected. We used tests samples collected from two different African locations, namely, Mozambique and Chad Basin. Different internal genotyping controls and other indirect approaches (e.g. phylogenetic checking coupled with automatic sequencing) were used in order to evaluate the reproducibility of the technique, which resulted to be 100% using samples previously subjected to whole genome amplification. The advantages of the MALDI‐TOF MS are also discussed in comparison with other popular methods such as minisequencing, highlighting its high‐throughput nature, which is particularly suitable for case–control medical studies, forensic databasing or population and anthropological studies.     

A MALDI‐TOF MS study of lanthanide(III)‐cored poly(phenylenevinylene) dendrimers

An extensive study by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) of some first‐generation and second‐generation lanthanide(III)‐cored poly(phenylenevinylene) dendrimers is described. The complexes were obtained by self‐assembly of suitably functionalized carboxylate dendrons around the lanthanide ion (La³⁺, Er³⁺). Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy gave reasonable evidence for the proposed structures. However, MS was used to ascertain unequivocally the complex formation. The most reliable results were found in the negative reflector mode, using 2‐[(2E)‐3‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐2‐methylprop‐2‐enylidene]malononitrile (DCTB) as matrix. Well‐defined and highly resolved base peaks corresponding to negative ions of [Gn₄La]^? and [Gn₄Er]^? were found in all cases, with an excellent match between the theoretical and observed isotope distributions. However, the 3 : 1 stoichiometry used in the synthesis guarantees an empirical formula Gn₃Ln for the complexes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Direct screening of herbal blends for new synthetic cannabinoids by MALDI‐TOF MS

Since 2004, a number of herbal blends containing different synthetic compounds mimicking the pharmacological activity of cannabinoids and displaying a high toxicological potential have appeared in the market. Their availability is mainly based on the so‐called “e‐commerce”, being sold as legal alternatives to cannabis and cannabis derivatives. Although highly selective, sensitive, accurate, and quantitative methods based on GC–MS and LC–MS are available, they lack simplicity, rapidity, versatility and throughput, which are required for product monitoring. In this context, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) offers a simple and rapid operation with high throughput. Thus, the aim of the present work was to develop a MALDI‐TOF MS method for the rapid qualitative direct analysis of herbal blend preparations for synthetic cannabinoids to be used as front screening of confiscated clandestine preparations. The sample preparation was limited to herbal blend leaves finely grinding in a mortar and loading onto the MALDI plate followed by addition of 2 µl of the matrix/surfactant mixture [α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxy‐cinnamic acid/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)]. After drying, the sample plate was introduced into the ion source for analysis. MALDI‐TOF conditions were as follows: mass spectra were analyzed in the range m/z 150–550 by averaging the data from 50 laser shots and using an accelerating voltage of 20 kV. The described method was successfully applied to the screening of 31 commercial herbal blends, previously analyzed by GC–MS. Among the samples analyzed, 21 contained synthetic cannabinoids (namely JWH‐018, JWH‐073, JWH‐081, JWH‐250, JWH‐210, JWH‐019, and AM‐694). All the results were in agreement with GC–MS, which was used as the reference technique. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Molecular weight analysis of water‐soluble poly(phenylene ethynylene)s using MALDI‐TOF MS

Molecular weights of seven poly(phenylene ethynylene)‐based water‐soluble conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) obtained through Sonogashira coupling are determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). A standard sample preparation protocol is developed to characterize the seven CPEs using 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid as the matrix (M) and AgTFA as the cationization reagent (CR). High‐quality MALDI mass spectra are obtained at volume mixing ratios (CPE/M/CR) of 5/5/1 for anionic polymers (P1–P4) and 5/50/1 for cationic polymers (P5–P7). Molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and end‐group information are analyzed. The effects of molecular weight of CPEs on optical and quenching properties are also studied. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 2537–2543     

Improved MALDI‐MS method for the highly sensitive and reproducible detection of biomarker peaks for the proteotyping of Salmonella serotypes

The rapid identification and classification of pathogenic microorganisms, including Salmonella enterica, is important for the surveillance and prevention of foodborne diseases. Matrix‐assisted laser desorptionionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) has been shown to be an effective tool for the rapid identification of microorganisms. In a previous report, a mass database consisting of 12 biomarker proteins, S8, L15, L17, L21, L25, S7, superoxide dismutase (SodA), peptidylprolyl cis‐trans isomerase C, Gns, YibT, YaiA, and YciF, was introduced for the serotyping of S. enterica via MALDI‐MS (Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2017, 101, 8557‐8569). However, the reproducibility of peak detection of biomarkers such as SodA at mz 23 000 was poor. We report here an optimized MALDI‐MS method for detecting these biomarkers with high sensitivity and reproducibility. The issue was solved by controlling the bacterial concentration at 1 × 10 to 1 × 10² MFU (3 × 10⁶ to 3 × 10⁷ CFUμL, as calculated from the MFU), using the colony suspension supernatant obtained by centrifugation, and using matrix additives such as methylenediphosphonic acid and N‐decyl‐β‐D‐maltopyranoside. We propose that the method including the above steps is one of the best for detecting biomarkers with high sensitivity and reproducibility.     

MALDI‐ and LDI‐MS saponin fingerprint of leaves and stick components of commercial yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis)

Yerba mate (YM) is massively produced and consumed as an infusion in South America and spreading all over the world. This product is obtained from dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hilaire, mixed with fragments of dried branches (sticks). For its commercialization, YM must have a minimum percentage of leaves because its presence determines YM quality and price. Till today, a mechanical methodology to determine the relative amount of components (sticks, leaves, and powder) is used. There is not any modern analytical method that provides information for quick characterization of the YM components. Typical saponin fingerprints for leaves and sticks were found by using ultraviolet matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization and ultraviolet laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Then, their possible application as useful tools for quick characterization of components of commercial YM (leaves and sticks) is presented. Furthermore, fingerprints obtained from authentic samples of Ilex paraguariensis and Ilex dumosa are also included and discussed. Each Ilex show typical saponin fingerprints for leaves and sticks.