Generation of CsI cluster ions for mass calibration in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

A simple method was developed for the generation of cesium iodide (CsI) cluster ions up to m/z over 20,000 in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). Calibration ions in both positive and negative ion modes can readily be generated from a single MALDI spot of CsI₃ with 2-[(2E)-3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylprop-2-enylidene] malononitrile (DCTB) matrix. The major cluster ion series observed in the positive ion mode is [(CsI)_nCs]⁺, and in the negative ion mode is [(CsI)_nI]⁻. In both cluster series, ions spread evenly every 259.81 units. The easy method described here for the production of CsI cluster ions should be useful for MALDI MS calibrations.     

On-line atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

A new technique is presented for the coupling of atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP-MALDI) mass spectrometry with liquid delivery systems. Mass measurements of polymers and peptides are demonstrated using a co-dissolved matrix, e.g. alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCCA). Improvements in terms of sensitivity are achieved by optimizing the shape und control of the exit capillary and by using a laser (355 nm) at a 1 kHz repetition rate. Two calibration experiments promise a good applicability of the presented coupling method for quantitative measurements. The limit of detection achieved so far is 500 nM for peptides in methanol solution containing 25 mM HCCA.     

Enhancing the intensities of lysine-terminated tryptic peptide ions in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Tryptic digests of three proteins are reacted with O-methylisourea in order to convert lysine residues to homoarginines. The resulting homoarginine-terminated peptides exhibit more intense MALDI mass spectral peaks than their lysine-terminated predecessors. This simple chemical reaction should therefore facilitate protein sequencing and mass mapping.     

Covariance mapping in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A novel method for acquisition and numerical analysis of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectral data is described. The digitized ion current transient from each consecutive laser shot is first acquired and stored independently. Subsequently, statistical correlation parameters between all stored transients are computed. We illustrate the uses of this event-by-event analysis method for studies of sample surface heterogeneity as well as for elucidating the mechanisms of ion formation in MALDI. Other potential applications of the method are also outlined.     

Differentiation of enantiomers using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) has successfully been used to differentiate pseudo-enantiomeric (isotopically labelled) amino acids by using cyclodextrin as complexing host. By using different pseudo-enantiomeric mixtures (i.e. R(Dn) + S; and R + S(Dn)), it has been demonstrated that the preference of cyclodextrin for S-enantiomers is not due to the size differences caused by the hydrogen/deuterium substitution. It is postulated that this method can be extended to differentiate enantiomers (and determine enantiomeric excess) by using a pair of enantiomeric hosts, as demonstrated previously using other ionization techniques, but with much higher sensitivity.     

Clustering of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and laser desorption mass spectrometry

The desorption/ionization behaviour of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and laser desorption (LD) mass spectrometry was studied by the solvent-free sample preparation method. As the understanding of the desorption/ionization mechanism in MALDI is normally hampered by the different ionization and desorption efficiencies of the analytes, this work was focused on the analyses of a homologous series of four hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs) possessing virtually the same ionization efficiency: HBC parent, hexamethyl-hexabenzocoronene (HBC-C1), hexapropyl-hexabenzocoronene (HBC-C3) and hexakis(dodecyl)-hexabenzocoronene (HBC-C12). The different signal intensities obtained in their mass spectra can be related to differences in their desorption efficiencies, which are attributed to the different strengths of the intermolecular interactions between unsubstituted and alkylated HBCs in the solid state. The influence of the aromatic structure of PAHs on their photoionization/desorption probability was investigated. As a model system, an equimolar mixture composed of HBC-C12 and hexakis(dodecyl)-hexaphenylbenzene (HPB-C12) was chosen. The aromatic structures of both molecules and thus their absorption coefficients at the laser wavelength differ substantially and have a huge influence on their photoionization efficiency. The combined effect of laser light absorption and intermolecular interactions on the desorption/ionization behaviour of giant PAHs was further studied by using an equimolar mixture composed of a larger PAH (C(222)H(42)) and its dendritic precursor (C(222)H(150)). This mixture shows the opposite behaviour to that of the former example, because the balance between desorption and ionization efficiency has changed significantly. The present investigation should be of interest for providing a better understanding of MALDI and LD spectra obtained from natural PAH-containing samples, such as heavy oils, asphaltenes or pitches, for which our artificial mixtures represent suitable model systems.     

Miniaturizing sample spots for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

The trend of miniaturization in bioanalytical chemistry is shifting from technical development to practical application. In matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), progress in miniaturizing sample spots has been driven by the needs to increase sensitivity and speed, to interface with other analytical microtechnologies, and to develop miniaturized instrumentation.We review recent developments in miniaturizing sample spots for MALDI-MS. We cover both target modification and microdispensing technologies, and we emphasize the benefits with respect to sensitivity, throughput and automation.We hope that this review will encourage further method development and application of miniaturized sample spots for MALDI-MS, so as to expand applications in analytical chemistry, protein science and molecular biology.     

Atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation ion trap mass spectrometry of synthetic polymers: a comparison with vacuum matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation quadrupole ion trap (AP-MALDI/QIT) mass spectrometry has been investigated for the analysis of polyethylene glycol (PEG 1500) and a hyperbranched polymer (polyglycidol) in the presence of alkali-metal salts. Mass spectra of PEG 1500 obtained at atmospheric pressure showed dimetallated matrix/analyte adducts, in addition to the expected alkali-metal/PEG ions, for all matrix/alkali-metal salt combinations. The relative intensities of the desorbed ions were dependent on the matrix, the alkali-metal salt added to aid cationisation and the ion trap interface conditions [capillary temperature, in-source collisionally-induced dissociation (CID)]. These data indicate that the adducts are rapidly stabilised by collisional cooling enabling them to be transferred into the ion trap. Experiments using identical sample preparation conditions were carried out on a vacuum MALDI time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometer. In all cases, vacuum MALDI-ToF spectra showed only alkali-metal/PEG ions and no matrix/analyte adducts. The tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) capability of the ion trap has been demonstrated for a lithiated polyglycol yielding a rich fragment-ion spectrum. Analysis of the hyperbranched polymer polyglycidol by AP-MALDI/QIT reveals the characteristic ion series for these polymers as also observed under vacuum MALDI-ToF conditions.     

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.     

Charge state distribution shifting of protein ions observed in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

By using a new sample preparation method for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, a significant shift to lower mass-to-charge values can be obtained for many protein samples. The sample preparation technique involves the creation of a thin film of protein-doped -cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) matrix formed in the presence of glycerol on top of a previously deposited pad of CHCA matrix. The higher charge states were not observed if the laser power was significantly above the threshold needed to produce protein molecular ions. Similar spectra were observed when samples were prepared in the presence of urea. The phenomenon was specific for the CHCA matrix because no effects were observed when sinapinic acid (3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy-trans-cinnamic acid) and 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo) benzoic acid matrices were used with the new sample preparation method.     

Improved matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry of carboxymethyl cellulose

A refined sample preparation procedure for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was developed for the evaluation of the degree of substitution (DS) in partially depolymerised carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). By adding ammonium sulphate to the sample mixture prior to the analysis, good quality mass spectra could be acquired. The usual time-consuming search for 'sweet-spots' at the crystalline rim of the MALDI target spot was also avoided. This quality improvement made it possible to investigate whether various positions on the target spot generated mass spectra in which the measured DS varied. The accuracy and reproducibility of the sample preparation procedure were tested by applying it on three commercial CMCs. The study shows that the DS values that were calculated from the spectra acquired from the centre region of the MALDI target spot were in better agreement with the DS provided by the supplier than were the values obtained from the large crystals at the target spot rim. This observation could be one reasonable explanation for the higher DS values reported in other publications. By applying our refined MALDI sample preparation procedure DS values that were in good agreement with the values provided by the manufacturer could be obtained. This indicates that MALDI-TOFMS of partially depolymerised CMCs can be used for an estimation of the DS as a complement to the more established methods, e.g. NMR, titrimetry, and chromatographic techniques.     

Detection of immune complexes by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) was used to detect an immune complex formed between beta-lactoglobulin and polyclonal anti-beta-lactoglobulin antibody in the gas phase. The most important experimental parameters to detect such a specific antibody-antigen complex by MALDI were the use of solutions at near-neutral pH and of sinapinic acid matrix prepared by the dried-droplet method. Under such conditions, predominantly one but also two molecules of antigen protein were complexed by the antibody. Specific formation of the antibody-antigen complex was confirmed by performing competitive reactions. Addition of antibody to a 1:1 mixture of beta-lactoglobulin and one control protein resulted not only in the appearance of the expected antibody-antigen complex, but also in a strong decrease in the free beta-lactoglobulin signal, while the abundance of the control protein was not influenced.     

Investigation of calmodulin-peptide interactions using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

In this report, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) was used to study the binding interactions between calmodulin and two target peptides (melittin and substance P). Various matrix conditions were tested and the less acidic matrix DHAP and THAP were found to favor the survival of the intact calcium-calmodulin as well as the calmodulin-peptide complexes. However, the application of direct MALDI-MS to detect the intact complexes turned out to be very difficult due to the dissociation of the complexes and the formation of nonspecific aggregates. In contrast, the specific binding of the target peptides to calmodulin could be easily deduced using intensity-fading (IF) MALDI-MS. Compared with the nonbinding control, clear reduction in the ion abundances of the target peptides was observed with the addition of calmodulin. Relative binding affinities of different peptides towards the protein could also be estimated using IF-MALDI-MS. This study may extend the application of IF-MALDI-MS in the analysis of noncovalent complexes and offer a perspective into the utility of MALDI-MS as an alternative approach to study the peptides binding to calmodulin.     

Identification of isoenzymes using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The identification of isoforms is one of the great challenges in proteomics due to the large number of identical amino acids preventing their separations by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) has become a rapid and sensitive tool in proteomics, notably with the new instrumental improvements. In this study, we used several acquisition modes of MALDI-TOFMS to identify isoforms of porcine glutathiones S-transferase. The use of multiple proteases coupled to the different acquisition modes of MALDI-TOFMS (linear, reflectron, post-source decay (PSD) and in-source decay, positive and negative modes) allowed the identification of two sequences. Moreover, a third sequence is pointed out from a PSD study of a tryptic ion revealing the modification of the amino acid tyrosine 146 to phenylalanine.     

Surface-activated and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of organotellurium compounds

Various types of ionization of organotellurium compounds in mass-spectrometric study are considered, with diphenyl telluroxide as example. The mass spectra of diphenyl telluroxide are presented. The possibility of applying surface-activated and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry to organotellurium compounds is examined.     

Surfactant-mediated matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of small molecules

A variety of surfactants have been tested as matrix-ion suppressors for the analysis of small molecules by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry. Their addition to the common matrix alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) greatly reduces the presence of matrix-related ions when added at the appropriate mole ratio of CHCA/surfactant, while still allowing the analyte signal to be observed. A range of cationic quaternary ammonium surfactants, as well as a neutral and anionic surfactant, was tested for the analysis of phenolics, phenolic acids, peptides and caffeine. It was found that the cationic surfactants, particularly cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), were suitable for the analysis of acidic analytes. The anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, showed promise for peptide analysis. For trialanine, the detection limit was observed to be in the 100 femtomole range. The final matrix/surfactant mole ratio was a critical parameter for matrix ion suppression and resulting intensity of analyte signal. It was also found that the mass resolution of analytes was improved by 25-75%. Depth profiling of sample spots, by varying the number of laser shots, revealed that the surfactants tend to migrate toward the top of the droplet during crystallization, and that it is likely that the analyte is also enriched in this surface region. Here, higher analyte/surfactant concentration would reduce matrix-matrix interactions (known to be a source of matrix-derived ions).     

Characterization of metal-labelled peptides by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry

Metal labelling of peptides and proteins using high-affinity metal-chelating compounds has found widespread applications in the medical and bioanalytical fields. In the present study we investigated the analysis of peptides derivatized either with cysteine- or amino group-directed metal-bound DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) chelators in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The metal complexes of DOTA were shown to be stable under MALDI-MS conditions. The introduction of the metal label led in a number of cases to significantly increased signal-to-noise (S/N) values and thus improved sensitivity of the labelled peptides compared to their unlabelled counterparts, especially for multiply labelled peptides. The presence of the labels did alter the tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) behaviour, namely the formation of sequence specific a-, b- and y-ion series, in dependence of the position of the label within the peptide sequence. For cysteine-derivatized peptides several label-specific reporter ions and characteristic immonium ions could be identified. Amino-directed labelling led only to the formation of characteristic immonium ions in ε-amino groups of lysine, whereas N-terminal labelling in some cases led to the formation of a(1)- and b(1)-ions. The results clearly show that MALDI-MS is suitable for the analysis of metal-labelled peptides, which was also confirmed in liquid chromatography (LC)/MALDI-based identification of proteins in a model protein mixture labelled with Cys-reactive DOTA. Here, in comparison to a run with alkylated cysteines, more than 50% more cysteine-containing peptides were identified.     

Dehydrogenation of tertiary amines in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) analysis of various compounds synthesized in our laboratory, strong [M - H]+ ion peaks were often observed for the molecules with tertiary amino groups. In this work, the MALDI TOF MS behavior of two groups of compounds that incorporate tertiary amino moieties was investigated. One group is bisurea dimethylanilines (BUDMAs) prepared for the study of molecular recognition in thermoplastic elastomers, and the other group is the poly(propylene imine) diaminobutane dendrimers. The results clearly demonstrate the appearance of the [M - H]+ ions. In order to understand the possible mechanisms for the generation of these ions, a series of model compounds, ranging from primary to tertiary amines, were investigated. Unlike the tertiary amines, no [M - H]+ ion peaks were recorded for the primary amines, and only barely detectable ones, if any, for some secondary amines. It appears that the tertiary amino groups play an important role in the formation of these ions. In addition to MALDI TOF MS analysis, these samples were also applied to electrospray ionization (ESI) MS where no [M - H]+ ions were observed. The results indicate that the generation of [M - H]+ ion is due to the unique MALDI conditions and is likely to be formed via dehydrogenation of a protonated tertiary amine resulting in an N=C double bond. The absence of [M - H]+ ion peaks for the primary and secondary amines is probably because upon their formation these ions could easily transfer one proton to the corresponding amines in the MALDI gas-phase plume, yielding neutral imines that cannot be detected by MS.     

Ionization mechanism of oligonucleotides in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The ionization of nucleosides in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was systematically investigated using adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C) with several common matrices. Experimental results of the protonation and deprotonation of the bases of A, T, G and C in the matrices 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHB), alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (alpha-CHCA) and 3-hydroxypicolinic acid (3-HPA) provide an insight into the ionization mechanism of oligonucleotides in MALDI. It was found that the low ion signal from DNA in poly-G in MALDI as reported in earlier work could be attributed to the fact that the base of G is difficult to ionize. Our results suggest that the ionization of DNA in MALDI is dominated by the protonation and deprotonation of bases and it is basically independent of the backbone of DNA. Both the protonation and deprotonation are strongly structure dependent. The protonation is dominated by pre-protonation before laser ablation, while the deprotonation is controlled by the thermal reaction.