Detection of inorganic species by chemical reaction laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

The oxidation numbers of metals in inorganic compounds were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) by using their acetylacetonates, which are soluble in acetone. For the MALDI analysis of inorganic species insoluble in common solvents used for matrices, such as acetone, methanol, water, etc., a suspension method of sample preparation was developed. Turbid suspensions of inorganic species in the solvent were spotted on the sample holder with chelating reagents, as in the conventional sample preparation for MALDI-MS. Chemical reaction between the inorganic species and the chelating reagents occurred in the plume after irradiation by laser light. Metal oxides were also analyzed by this method, and samples with different oxidation numbers gave different mass spectra. These results suggest that many other metal oxides with different oxidation numbers could be identified if suitable chelating reagents are chosen for sample preparation for MALDI-MS.     

Uranium oxide clusters by laser desorption ionization during MALDI-TOF MS analysis of uranium(VI)

Laser desorption ionization (LDI) mode of matrix-assisted laser desorptionionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) analysis of uranium(VI)leads to the formation of uranium oxides clusters, as with fast atom bombardment(FAB). Different uranium clusters than those with FAB were observed. Threedifferent families of formula (UO₂)_x O_y ²⁺, and two of formula (UO₂)_x O_y ²⁺ were found.     

Infrared, surface-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry on frozen aqueous solutions of proteins and peptides using suspensions of organic solids

Surface-assisted, laser desorption ionization (SALDI) time-of-flight mass spectra of proteins and peptides have been obtained from bulk frozen aqueous solutions by adding solid organic powders to the solutions before freezing. Abundant analyte ions were obtained with a 3.28 µm Nd:YAG/OPO laser. 20 compounds were evaluated as solid additives, and 16 yielded protein mass spectra. Successful solids included compounds like pyrene, aspartic acid, and polystyrene. The best results were obtained with nicotinic acid and indole-2-carboxylic acid, which yielded protein mass spectra anywhere on the sample and with every laser shot. Compared with ultraviolet-matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization on the same instrument, cryo-IR-SALDI had a comparable detection limit (≈1 µM), a lower mass resolution for peptides, and a higher mass resolution for large proteins. Approximately 2500 cryo-IR-SALDI mass spectra were obtained from a single spot on a 0.3-mm-thick frozen sample before the metal surface was reached. About 0.1 nL of frozen solution was desorbed per laser shot. The extent of protein charging varied between the SALDI solids used. With thymine, myoglobin charge states up to MH ₁₂ ⁺¹² were observed. It is tentatively concluded that observed ions are preformed in the frozen sample.     

Nanomaterial-based surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of peptides and proteins

We have investigated six nanomaterials for their applicability as surfaces for the analyses of peptides and proteins using surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS). Gold nanoparticles (NPs) were useful nanomateriais for small analytes (e.g., glutathione); Pt nanosponges and Fe₃O₄ NPs were efficient nanomaterials for proteins, with an upper detectable mass limit of ca. 25 kDa. Nanomateriais have several advantages over organic matrices, including lower limits of detection for small analytes and lower batch-to-batch variations (fewer problems associated with “sweet spois”), when used in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.     

Measurement of laser activated electron tunneling from semiconductor zinc oxide to adsorbed organic molecules by a matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometer

Measurement of light induced heterogeneous electron transfer is important for understanding of fundamental processes involved in chemistry, physics and biology, which is still challenging by current techniques. Laser activated electron tunneling (LAET) from semiconductor metal oxides was observed and characterized by a MALDI (matrix assisted laser desorption ionization) mass spectrometer in this work. Nanoparticles of ZnO were placed on a MALDI sample plate. Free fatty acids and derivatives were used as models of organic compounds and directly deposited on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. Irradiation of UV laser (λ = 355 nm) with energy more than the band gap of ZnO produces ions that can be detected in negative mode. When TiO₂ nanoparticles with similar band gap but much lower electron mobility were used, these ions were not observed unless the voltage on the sample plate was increased. The experimental results indicate that laser induced electron tunneling is dependent on the electron mobility and the strength of the electric field. Capture of low energy electrons by charge-deficient atoms of adsorbed organic molecules causes unpaired electron-directed cleavages of chemical bonds in a nonergodic pathway. In positive detection mode, electron tunneling cannot be observed due to the reverse moving direction of electrons. It should be able to expect that laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry is a new technique capable of probing the dynamics of electron tunneling. LAET offers advantages as a new ionization dissociation method for mass spectrometry.     

Development of core–shell structure Fe3O4@Ta2O5 microspheres for selective enrichment of phosphopeptides for mass spectrometry analysis

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications. Due to the dynamic nature and low stoichiometry of the protein phosphorylation, enrichment of phosphopeptides from proteolytic mixtures is often necessary prior to their characterization by mass spectrometry. Many metal oxides such as titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide have been successfully applied to isolation and enrichment of phosphopeptides. Recently, niobium pentoxide was proved to have the ability for selective enrichment of phosphopeptides. Considering the proximity of tantalum to niobium, we supposed that Ta₂O₅ can be used as affinity probes for phosphopeptide enrichment. In the work, we synthesized Fe₃O₄@Ta₂O₅ magnetic microspheres with core–shell structure for selective enrichment of phosphopeptides. To demonstrate its ability for selective enrichment of phosphopeptides, we applied Fe₃O₄@Ta₂O₅ magnetic microspheres to isolation and enrichment of the phosphopeptides from tryptic digestion of standard proteins and real samples, and then the enriched peptides were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry analysis (MALDI-MS) or liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS). Experiment results demonstrate that Ta₂O₅ coated-magnetic microspheres show the excellent potential for selective enrichment of phosphopeptides.     

MALDI TOF mass spectrometry for the investigation of the structure of ruthenium carborane complexes

The results of investigation of ruthenium carborane complexes with chelating diphosphine ligands by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry are presented. The influence of matrix, power of laser irradiation, and analysis mode on the substrate fragmentation and spectra is analyzed. It is shown that the best spectra are recorded in the negative ion mode with DCTB as a matrix.     

Formation of oligomeric alkenylperoxides during the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids: an electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry study

This study reports the identification of oligomeric alkenylperoxides by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS²), during the oxidation of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids with Fenton's (Fe²⁺/H₂O₂) and Fe²⁺/O₂ systems. The reactions were followed by ferrous oxidation‐xylenol orange method together with GC‐MS and GC‐FID, allowing to observe that both oxidation systems are different in terms of hydroperoxide evolution, probably due to the presence of different intermediate reactive species: perferryl ion and OH^· radical responsible for the decomposition of lipid hydroperoxides and formation of new compounds. The analysis of ESI‐MS in the negative mode, obtained after oxidation of each fatty acid, confirmed the presence of the monomeric oxidation products together with other compounds at high mass region above m/z 550. These new ions were attributed to oligomeric structures, identified by the fragmentation pathways observed in the tandem mass spectra. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of cytolysin variants by peptide mapping: enhanced protein characterization using complementary ionization and mass spectrometric techniques

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI) have been used in conjunction with time-of-flight (TOF) and quadrupole ion trap (IT) mass spectrometry, respectively, to analyze various cytolysin proteins isolated from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus and digested by the protease trypsin. By employing different ionization methods, the subsequent changes in ionization selectivity for the peptides in the digested protein samples resulted in ion abundance variation reflected in the mass spectra. Upon investigation of this variation generated by the two ionization processes, it has been shown in this study that enhanced protein coverage (e.g., >95% for cytolysin III) can be achieved. Additionally, capillary and microbore reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled with ESI mass spectrometry (MS) as well as flow injection analysis by nanoflow ESI-MS afforded the necessary limit of detection (LOD) for detailed structural information of the cytolysin proteins by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) methods. It can be concluded that cytolysins II and III correspond to sticholysins I and II, that "cytolysin I" is a mixture of modified forms of cytolysins II and III, and that "cytolysin IV" is an incompletely processed precursor of cytolysin III.     

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

A group of rhenium (I) complexes including in their structure ligands such as CF₃SO₃‐, CH₃CO₂‐, CO, 2,2′‐bipyridine, dipyridil[3,2‐a:2′3′‐c]phenazine, naphthalene‐2‐carboxylate, anthracene‐9‐carboxylate, pyrene‐1‐carboxylate and 1,10‐phenanthroline have been studied for the first time by mass spectrometry. The probe electrospray ionization (PESI) is a technique based on electrospray ionization (ESI) that generates electrospray from the tip of a solid metal needle. In this work, mass spectra for organometallic complexes obtained by PESI were compared with those obtained by classical ESI and high flow rate electrospray ionization assisted by corona discharge (HF‐ESI‐CD), an ideal method to avoid decomposition of the complexes and to induce their oxidation to yield intact molecular cation radicals in gas state [M]^+. and to produce their reduction yielding the gas species [M]^–.. It was found that both techniques showed in general the intact molecular ions of the organometallics studied and provided additional structure characteristic diagnostic fragments. As the rhenium complexes studied in the present work showed strong absorption in the UV–visible region, particularly at 355 nm, laser desorption ionization (LDI) mass spectrometry experiments could be conducted. Although intact molecular ions could be detected in a few cases, LDI mass spectra showed diagnostic fragments for characterization of the complexes structure. Furthermore, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectra were obtained. Nor‐harmane, a compound with basic character, was used as matrix, and the intact molecular ions were detected in two examples, in negative ion mode as the [M]^–. species. Results obtained with 2‐[(2E)‐3‐(4‐tert‐buthylphenyl)‐2‐methylprop‐2‐enylidene] malononitrile (DCTB) as matrix are also described. LDI experiments provided more information about the rhenium complex structures than did the MALDI ones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization of complex assemblages of organic acids in geological samples by negative electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using a double‐focusing magnetic sector field mass spectrometer

Four different geological sample types (a crude oil, a crude oil asphaltene, a reservoir core extract and a reservoir core asphaltene) have been characterized by negative ionization electrospray mass spectrometry at low and high mass resolution using a double‐focusing magnetic sector field mass spectrometer. The mass range, shape of the spectra and the signal distribution of the acidic constituents as well as the average molecular weights, the total ion abundance and signal intensity in the spectra were compared for the different sample types. Nominal mass classes have been evaluated and Kendrick mass plots were generated in order to identify homologous series. For the crude oil sample, accurate mass assignments were made by high‐resolution double‐focusing magnetic sector field mass spectrometry (DFMSFMS) and were compared with those obtained by negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS). With both instrument types, compounds with the molecular composition C_nH_2n+zO₂, among which carboxylic acids predominated, were the main acidic compound class detectable in negative ESI mass spectra. Good agreement was achieved for the double bond class distribution and the carbon number distribution of the O₂ class. In addition, minor compound classes could be identified using FTICRMS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

LAMMA mass spectra of β-diketone,bis(benzoylacetone)ethylenediimine and bis(salicylidene)ethylenediimine complexes of some transition metals

Complexes of 2,4-pentanedione (acetylacetone, acac), [Cu(acac)₂], [VO(acac)₂] and [CO(acac)₃], and the chromium(III) derivative of 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedione (methylacetylacetone, meac), [Cr(meac)₃], the ligands bis(benzoylacetone)ethylenediimine and bis(salicylidene)ethylenediimine, and their cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) chelates were analysed by laser desorption mass spectrometry (LAMMA) and compared to electron impact (EI) results. The positive ion LAMMA spectra generally reveal mostly small fragments, although metal cationization peaks are seen for most complexes. Negative ion LAMMA produce carbon clusters and some structurally important fragments.     

A method to detect metal–drug complexes and their interactions with pathogenic bacteria via graphene nanosheet assist laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and biosensors

A new method was proposed to probe the interactions between transition metals of Fe(II), Fe(III), Cu(II) with a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), flufenamic acid (FF) using graphene as a matrix for Graphene assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (GALDI-MS). Metal–drug complexation was confirmed via UV absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, pH meter, and change in solution conductivity. The optimal molar ratios for these complexation interactions are stoichiometry 1:2 in both Cu(II) and Fe(II) complexes, and 1:3 in Fe(III) complexes at physiological pH (7.4). Metal complexation of the drug could enhance fluorescence for 20 fold which is due to the charge transfer reaction or increase rigidity of the drug. The main interaction between graphene and flufenamic acid is the П–П interaction which allows us to probe the metal–drug complexation. The GALDI-MS could sensitively detect the drug at m/z 281.0 Da (protonated molecule) with detection limit 2.5 pmol (1.0 μM) and complexation at m/z 661.0, 654.0 and 933.0 Da corresponding to [Cu(II)(FF)₂(H₂O)₂ + H]⁺, [Fe(II)(FF)₂(H₂O)₂ + H]⁺ and [Fe(III) (FF)₃(H₂O)₂ + H]⁺, respectively (with limit of detection (LOD) 2.0 pmol (10.0 μM). Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) spectra show change in the protein profile of intact pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus). The change in the ionization ability (mainly proton affinity) of pathogenic bacteria may be due to the interactions between the bacteria with the drug (or its complexes). Shielding carboxylic group by metals and increase the hydrophilicity could enhance the biocompatibility of complexes toward the pathogenic bacteria which can be used as biosensors with high sensitivity and lowest detectable concentrations are in the range of 3.3 × 10³–3.9 × 10⁴ cfu mL⁻¹ with large linear dynamic range.     

Intact and top-down characterization of biomolecules and direct analysis using infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization coupled to FT-ICR mass spectrometry

We report the implementation of an infrared laser onto our previously reported matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDESI) source with ESI post-ionization yielding multiply charged peptides and proteins. Infrared (IR)-MALDESI is demonstrated for atmospheric pressure desorption and ionization of biological molecules ranging in molecular weight from 1.2 to 17 kDa. High resolving power, high mass accuracy single-acquisition Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectra were generated from liquid- and solid-state peptide and protein samples by desorption with an infrared laser (2.94 μm) followed by ESI post-ionization. Intact and top-down analysis of equine myoglobin (17 kDa) desorbed from the solid state with ESI post-ionization demonstrates the sequencing capabilities using IR-MALDESI coupled to FT-ICR mass spectrometry. Carbohydrates and lipids were detected through direct analysis of milk and egg yolk using both UV- and IR-MALDESI with minimal sample preparation. Three of the four classes of biological macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) have been ionized and detected using MALDESI with minimal sample preparation. Sequencing of O-linked glycans, cleaved from mucin using reductive β-elimination chemistry, is also demonstrated.     

A laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry investigation into triacylglycerols oxidation during thermal stressing of edible oils

Laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI–TOF MS) was used to characterize olive and sunflower oils before and after thermally assisted oxidation in order to develop a rapid fingerprinting method for oil that contains unchanged and oxidized components. No matrix was used to assist laser desorption, and simplified mass spectra were obtained in the mass range of interest (m/z 500–1000), where triacyl- and diacylglycerol ions were observed. Sample preparation was reduced to dissolving oil in chloroform saturated with NaCl. Sodiated triacylglycerols (TAGs), their epoxy/hydroxy and hydroperoxy derivatives, as well as TAGs with shortened chain fatty acids (β-scission products) were clearly observed in the spectra. LDI–TOF MS rapidly provides semiquantitative information about the oxidation level of edible oil, and thus represents a very useful quality control tool. Dedicated to Professor Pier Giorgio Zambonin on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.     

A novel sample preparation method of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry for polystyrene

A novel sample preparation method of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for polystyrene was reported. Compared to the conventional dried-droplet method, the efficiency of ionization and signal intensity of mass spectra were improved. The mechanism was also analyzed.     

Ionization energies of cesium and cesium oxide clusters

The vertical ionization potentials of 7 cesium and 86 oxidized cesium clusters were determined using the technique of photoionization mass spectrometry. The spectra were obtained using a tunablecw dye laser for clusters in a mass range 1 to 2024 amu. The vertical ionization potentials (IP) are presented as a function of size and composition. The ionization energies of cesium clusters, Cs_n, decrease with cluster size. Unusually low IP were observed for the enneamer, Cs₉, and for the cesium monoxide Cs₁₁ O. With increasing oxidation of the cesium metal clusters the IP decreases (suboxides) reaches a minimum at Cs(Cs₂O)_n and then increases (superoxides).     

Hydrogen chemical ionization mass spectrometry of metalloporphyrins

The hydrogen chemical ionization (H₂ CI) mass spectra of a range of metal(II) (Ni, Cu, Co, Pt), metal (III) (Al, Mn, Ga, Fe (bearing a single axial ligand)) and metal(IV) (Si, Ge, Sn (bearing two axial ligands) and V (as V?O²⁺)) porphyrins have been determined, The spectra are highly dependent on the coordinated metal, rather than the axial ligand(s) (where present). Ni(II), Cu(II), Mn(II or III), Ga(III), Ge(IV), Fe(III) and Sn(IV) porphyrins fragment via hydrogenation and demetallation, followed by cleavage of the resulting porphyrinogens at the meso(bridge) positions to give mono- and di-pyrrolic fragments. Tripyrrolic fragments are also observed in the case of Ni(II), Cu(II) and Sn(IV). Fragmentations of this type are similar to those observed for free-base porphyrins. In the case of Pt(II), Co(II), Al(III), Si(IV) and V(IV) (as vanadyl), the dipyrrolic fragment ions are either very weak or completely absent; hence their H₂CI spectra contain limited structural information. This variable CI behaviour may be related to the relative stabilities of the metalloporphyrins together with the multiple stable valency states exhibited by several metals.     

Electronic Structure of Silver Oxides Investigated by AgL XANES Spectroscopy

The chemistry of binary and multinary silver oxides spans from subvalent species (with a mean oxidation number for Ag smaller than + 1) to compounds with Ag in high oxidation states as + 2 and + 3. We have investigated a range of silver oxides, including the binary compounds Ag₂O, AgO, Ag₃O₄ and Ag₂O₃ as well as subvalent ternary oxides, by AgL₃ and AgL₁ XANES spectroscopy. The different valence states of silver are clearly reflected in AgL₃ and AgL₁ XANES spectra. The method thus allows the determination of average oxidation numbers. In addition, the degree of electronic interaction (localized or delocalized electronic states) in silver‐oxygen compounds can be estimated on the basis of AgL₃ XANES spectra.     

Per-O-methylation of neutral carbohydrates directly from aqueous samples for gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis

Per-O-methylation of neutral carbohydrates in one step by adding dimethyl sulfoxide, powdered sodium hydroxide, and methyl iodide directly to aqueous sample is described. The influence of the water on the methylation reaction is investigated. Solid powdered sodium hydroxide is very hygroscopic and can scavenge the water from sample if an additional excess of sodium hydroxide is added. The degree of per-O-methylation of carbohydrates is checked by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of mono- and disaccharides from grape juice is presented.