Size Exclusion Chromatography−Chemical Reaction Interface Mass Spectrometry:  “A Perfect Match”

• Published in: Analytical chemistry (Washington) Vol. 71; no. 14; pp. 2951 - 2955
• Main Authors: Lecchi, Paolo, Abramson, Fred P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 15.07.1999
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Analytical, structural and metabolic biochemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Biopolymers - analysis; Chemistry; Chromatographic methods and physical methods associated with chromatography; Chromatography; Chromatography, Gel - methods; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects, investigation methods; Heparin - analysis; Isotope Labeling; Mass Spectrometry - methods; Other chromatographic methods; Polymers; Proteins; Scientific imaging; Performance evaluation; Equipment specifications; Coupled method; Biopolymer; Performance characteristic; Equipment interfaces; Chemical decomposition; Instrument for chemical analysis; Biological macromolecule; Mass spectrometry; Gel permeation chromatography
• ISSN: 0003-2700; 1520-6882
• DOI: 10.1021/ac981098r

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) has been coupled to chemical reaction interface mass spectrometry (CRIMS) for the analysis of biopolymers. This innovative combination allows the analysis of biopolymers with no limitation on the molecular weight and chemical composition of the species under investigation. With SEC−CRIMS we have examined different classes of biopolymers including polynucleotides, proteins, and polysaccharides. Moreover, CRIMS allows the simultaneous detection of multiple organic elements and their stable isotopes. When SEC is interfaced to CRIMS, further information (elemental detection) is obtained, enhancing the analytical capability of SEC. These features have been applied to the detection of a labeled protein (13C-rat growth hormone) in plasma and to the characterization of heparin and low molecular weight heparin from different sources.