Combination of micropreparative capillary electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for peptide analysis

• Published in: Journal of Protein Chemistry Vol. 16; no. 5; pp. 421 - 423
• Main Authors: Bergman, A C, Bergman, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Springer Nature B.V 01.07.1997
• Subjects: Capillary electrophoresis; Desorption; Electrolytes; Electrophoresis; Electrophoresis, Capillary - methods; Hydrochloric acid; Ionization; Ions; Lasers; Low concentrations; Mass spectra; Mass spectrometry; Mass spectroscopy; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Microchemistry - methods; Peptides; Peptides - analysis; Proteins; Separation; Sodium phosphate; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization - methods; Trifluoroacetic acid
• ISSN: 0277-8033; 1572-3887; 1573-4943
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1026392907103

Signal suppression is a problem in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of peptides prepared by capillary electrophoresis. Many common electrolytes that are efficient for separation, such as sodium phosphate, also are strongly suppressive during laser desorption/ionization. We have tested individual electrolytes for highest performance in each step of separation and collection, respectively. Suppression is not observed if citrate, trifluoroacetic acid, or hydrochloric acid is used for collection, while phosphate still can be employed in the capillary providing excellent resolution. Low concentrations of hydrochloric acid added to the sample/matrix mixture generate mass spectra with better ion intensities than if trifluoroacetic acid or citrate is used.