Direct characterization of intact polypeptides by matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization quadrupole Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Advancing mass spectrometry-based chemical imaging: A noncontact continuous flow surface probe in mass spectrometry for enhanced signal detection and spatial resolution

A new method has been developed for mass spectrometric imaging of small molecules and proteins on tissue or in thinly sliced materials. A laser desorption Venturi electrospray ionization-mass spectrometer was developed for molecular imaging. This method combines laser desorption (LD) and electrospray ionization (ESI) systems before a mass spectrometer (MS). To carry out laser desorption, samples are excited with a laser from the back side of a glass substrate. The desorbed molecules or particles are then captured by a solvent flow. In the ESI system, these desorbed particles and molecules are ionized. The spray part of the solvent system consists of two capillaries: one delivers solvent to the sample plate sides to capture desorbed molecules and particles, and the other carries the solution to the mass spectrometry side using the Venturi effect. A 2D stage facilitates sampling. The system is designed to minimize the sample size after desorption using a 355 nm diode laser, and it is optimized for molecules of various sizes, including organic molecules, amino acids, and proteins. Despite challenging atmospheric conditions for protein desorption, this specialized design enables the collection of protein spectra. The amino acids and other small molecules showed high sensitivity in the MSI measurements. This innovative MS imaging system can be directly applied to real tissue systems and other plant samples to visualize the molecular level distributions.

Development of mass spectrometry imaging techniques and its latest applications

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a novel molecular imaging technology that collects molecular information from the surface of samples in situ. The spatial distribution and relative content of various compounds can be visualized simultaneously with high spatial resolution. The prominent advantages of MSI promote the active development of ionization technology and its broader applications in diverse fields. This article first gives a brief introduction to the vital parts of the processes during MSI. On this basis, provides a comprehensive overview of the most relevant MS-based imaging techniques from their mechanisms, pros and cons, and applications. In addition, a critical issue in MSI, matrix effects is also discussed. Then, the representative applications of MSI in biological, forensic, and environmental fields in the past 5 years have been summarized, with a focus on various types of analytes (e.g., proteins, lipids, polymers, etc.) Finally, the challenges and further perspectives of MSI are proposed and concluded.

Lipidomic Analysis of Mouse Brain to Evaluate the Efficacy and Preservation of Different Tissue Preparatory Techniques by IR-MALDESI-MSI

Numerous preparatory methods have been developed to preserve the cellular and structural integrity of various biological tissues for different -omics studies. Herein, two preparatory methods for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) were evaluated, fresh-frozen and sucrose-embedded, paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixed, in terms of ion abundance, putative lipid identifications, and preservation of analyte spatial distributions. Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI)-MSI was utilized to compare the preparatory methods of interest with and without the use of the conventional ice matrix. There were 2.5-fold and 1.6-fold more lipid species putatively identified in positive- and negative-ion modes, respectively, for sucrose-embedded, PFA-fixed tissues without an ice matrix relative to the current IR-MALDESI-MSI gold-standard, fresh-frozen tissue preparation with an exogenous ice matrix. Furthermore, sucrose-embedded tissues demonstrated improved spatial distribution of ions resulting from the cryo-protective property of sucrose and paraformaldehyde fixation. Evidence from these investigations supports sucrose-embedding without ice matrix as an alternative preparatory technique for IR-MALDESI-MSI.

The development and application of matrix assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization: The teenage years

In the past 15 years, ambient ionization techniques have witnessed a significant incursion into the field of mass spectrometry imaging, demonstrating their ability to provide complementary information to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization. Matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization is one such technique that has evolved since its first demonstrations with ultraviolet lasers coupled to Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometers to extensive use with infrared lasers coupled to orbitrap-based mass spectrometers. Concurrently, there have been transformative developments of this imaging platform due to the high level of control the principal group has retained over the laser technology, data acquisition software (RastirX), instrument communication, and image processing software (MSiReader). This review will discuss the developments of MALDESI since its first laboratory demonstration in 2005 to the most recent advances in 2021.

Molecular typing of Meningiomas by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Surgical Decision-Making

Meningiomas are the most frequent intracranial tumors. The majority is benign slow-growing tumors but they can be difficult to treat depending on their location and size. While meningiomas are well delineated on magnetic resonance imaging by their uptake of contrast, surgical limitations still present themselves from not knowing the extent of invasion of the dura matter by meningioma cells. The development of tools to characterize tumor tissue in real or near real time could prevent recurrence after tumor resection by allowing for more precise surgery, i.e. removal of tumor with preservation of healthy tissue. The development of ambient ionization mass spectrometry for molecular characterization of tissue and its implementation in the surgical decision-making workflow carry the potential to fulfill this need. Here, we present the characterization of meningioma and dura mater by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to validate the technique for the molecular assessment of surgical margins and diagnosis of meningioma from surgical tissue in real-time. Nine stereotactically resected surgical samples and three autopsy samples were analyzed by standard histopathology and mass spectrometry imaging. All samples indicated a strong correlation between results from both techniques. We then highlight the value of desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the molecular subtyping/subgrouping of meningiomas from a series of forty genetically characterized specimens. The minimal sample preparation required for desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry offers a distinct advantage for applications relying on real-time information such as surgical decision-making. The technology here was tested to distinguish meningioma from dura mater as an approach to precisely define surgical margins. In addition we classify meningiomas into fibroblastic and meningothelial subtypes and more notably recognize meningiomas with NF2 genetic aberrations.

IR-MALDESI mass spectrometry imaging of biological tissue sections using ice as a matrix

Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) mass spectrometry imaging of biological tissue sections using a layer of deposited ice as an energy-absorbing matrix was investigated. Dynamics of plume ablation were first explored using a nanosecond exposure shadowgraphy system designed to simultaneously collect pictures of the plume with a camera and collect the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance FT-ICR mass spectrum corresponding to that same ablation event. Ablation of fresh tissue analyzed with and without using ice as a matrix were compared using this technique. Effect of spot-to-spot distance, number of laser shots per pixel, and tissue condition (matrix) on ion abundance were also investigated for 50 μm-thick tissue sections. Finally, the statistical method called design of experiments was used to compare source parameters and determine the optimal conditions for IR-MALDESI of tissue sections using deposited ice as a matrix. With a better understanding of the fundamentals of ablation dynamics and a systematic approach to explore the experimental space, it was possible to improve ion abundance by nearly one order of magnitude.

Mechanisms of real-time, proximal sample processing during ambient ionization mass spectrometry

A review of ambient ionization mass spectrometry highlighting the central role of sample preparation immediate to and during sample analysis.

Ambient femtosecond laser vaporization and nanosecond laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Recent investigations of ambient laser-based transfer of molecules into the gas phase for subsequent mass spectral analysis have undergone a renaissance resulting from the separation of vaporization and ionization events. Here, we seek to provide a snapshot of recent femtosecond (fs) duration laser vaporization and nanosecond (ns) duration laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry experiments. The former employs pulse durations of <100 fs to enable matrix-free laser vaporization with little or no fragmentation. When coupled to electrospray ionization, femtosecond laser vaporization provides a universal, rapid mass spectral analysis method requiring no sample workup. Remarkably, laser pulses with intensities exceeding 10(13) W cm(-2) desorb intact macromolecules, such as proteins, and even preserve the condensed phase of folded or unfolded protein structures according to the mass spectral charge state distribution, as demonstrated for cytochrome c and lysozyme. Because of the ability to vaporize and ionize multiple components from complex mixtures for subsequent analysis, near perfect classification of explosive formulations, plant tissue phenotypes, and even the identity of the manufacturer of smokeless powders can be determined by multivariate statistics. We also review the more mature field of nanosecond laser desorption for ambient mass spectrometry, covering the wide range of systems analyzed, the need for resonant absorption, and the spatial imaging of complex systems like tissue samples.

Mass spectrometry imaging as a tool for surgical decision-making

Despite significant advances in image-guided therapy, surgeons are still too often left with uncertainty when deciding to remove tissue. This binary decision between removing and leaving tissue during surgery implies that the surgeon should be able to distinguish tumor from healthy tissue. In neurosurgery, current image-guidance approaches such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with neuronavigation offer a map as to where the tumor should be, but the only definitive method to characterize the tissue at stake is histopathology. Although extremely valuable information is derived from this gold standard approach, it is limited to very few samples during surgery and is not practically used for the delineation of tumor margins. The development and implementation of faster, comprehensive, and complementary approaches for tissue characterization are required to support surgical decision-making--an incremental and iterative process with tumor removed in multiple and often minute biopsies. The development of atmospheric pressure ionization sources makes it possible to analyze tissue specimens with little to no sample preparation. Here, we highlight the value of desorption electrospray ionization as one of many available approaches for the analysis of surgical tissue. Twelve surgical samples resected from a patient during surgery were analyzed and diagnosed as glioblastoma tumor or necrotic tissue by standard histopathology, and mass spectrometry results were further correlated to histopathology for critical validation of the approach. The use of a robust statistical approach reiterated results from the qualitative detection of potential biomarkers of these tissue types. The correlation of the mass spectrometry and histopathology results to MRI brings significant insight into tumor presentation that could not only serve to guide tumor resection, but that is also worthy of more detailed studies on our understanding of tumor presentation on MRI.

Mass recalibration of FT-ICR mass spectrometry imaging data using the average frequency shift of ambient ions

Achieving and maintaining high mass measurement accuracy (MMA) throughout a mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) experiment is vital to the identification of the observed ions. However, when using FTMS instruments, fluctuations in the total ion abundance at each pixel due to inherent biological variation in the tissue section can introduce space charge effects that systematically shift the observed mass. Herein we apply a recalibration based on the observed cyclotron frequency shift of ions found in the ambient laboratory environment, polydimethylcyclosiloxanes (PDMS). This calibration method is capable of achieving part per billion (ppb) mass accuracy with relatively high precision for an infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) MSI dataset. Comparisons with previously published mass calibration approaches are also presented.

Laserspray and matrix-assisted ionization inlet coupled to high-field FT-ICR mass spectrometry for peptide and protein analysis

We present the first coupling of laser spray ionization inlet (LSII) and matrix assisted ionization inlet (MAII) to high-field Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) for generation of electrospray-like ions to take advantage of increased sensitivity, mass range, and mass resolving power afforded by multiple charging. We apply the technique to top-down protein analysis and characterization of metalloproteins. We also present a novel method for generation of multiply-charged copper-peptide complexes with varying degrees of copper adduction by LSII. We show an application of the generated copper-peptide complexes for protein charge state and molecular weight determination, particularly useful for an instrument such as a linear ion trap mass analyzer.

Characterization of proteins by ambient mass spectrometry

Proteins play important roles in living systems and are topics of many fundamental and applied research projects. With the introduction of electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization for analysis of biomacromolecules in the late 1980s, mass spectrometry has become an important tool for characterization of proteins. Characterization of proteins in raw samples by these mass spectrometric techniques, however, usually requires extensive sample pretreatment. Ambient ionization techniques are new mass spectrometric techniques that allow direct analysis of samples with no or little sample preparation. Can these techniques facilitate or even eliminate sample preparation for mass spectrometric analysis of proteins? Apart from sample preparation, do these techniques offer any new features for characterization of proteins as compared with conventional ESI or MALDI? Recent advances in characterization of proteins by ambient mass spectrometry are summarized and commented in this article.

Global optimization of the infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR MALDESI) source for mass spectrometry using statistical design of experiments

Design of experiments (DOE) is a systematic and cost-effective approach to system optimization by which the effects of multiple parameters and parameter interactions on a given response can be measured in few experiments. Herein, we describe the use of statistical DOE to improve a few of the analytical figures of merit of the infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) source for mass spectrometry. In a typical experiment, bovine cytochrome c was ionized via electrospray, and equine cytochrome c was desorbed and ionized by IR-MALDESI such that the ratio of equine:bovine was used as a measure of the ionization efficiency of IR-MALDESI. This response was used to rank the importance of seven source parameters including flow rate, laser fluence, laser repetition rate, ESI emitter to mass spectrometer inlet distance, sample stage height, sample plate voltage, and the sample to mass spectrometer inlet distance. A screening fractional factorial DOE was conducted to designate which of the seven parameters induced the greatest amount of change in the response. These important parameters (flow rate, stage height, sample to mass spectrometer inlet distance, and laser fluence) were then studied at higher resolution using a full factorial DOE to obtain the globally optimized combination of parameter settings. The optimum combination of settings was then compared with our previously determined settings to quantify the degree of improvement in detection limit. The limit of detection for the optimized conditions was approximately 10 attomoles compared with 100 femtomoles for the previous settings, which corresponds to a four orders of magnitude improvement in the detection limit of equine cytochrome c.

Electrode-assisted desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

A new ion source has been developed for rapid, noncontact analysis of materials at ambient conditions. The method provides desorption of analytes under ambient conditions directly from different surfaces with little or no sample preparation. The new method, termed electrode-assisted desorption electrospray ionization (EADESI), is on the basis of the ionization of molecules on different surfaces by highly charged droplets produced on a sharp-edged high voltage tip, and ions produced are introduced into the mass spectrometer through a capillary. The EADESI technique can be applied to various samples including amino acids, peptides, proteins, drugs and human fluids such as urine and blood. EADESI is promising for routine analyses in different fields such as forensic, environmental and material sciences. EADESI interface can be fit to a conventional ion-trap mass spectrometer. It can be used for various types of samples with a broad mass range. EADESI can also provide real-time analysis which is very valuable for biomedical applications.

Identification of explosives and explosive formulations using laser electrospray mass spectrometry

Mass analysis is demonstrated for the detection of sub-microgram quantities of explosive samples on a metallic surface at atmospheric pressure using laser electrospray mass spectrometry (LEMS). A non-resonant femtosecond duration laser pulse vaporizes native samples for subsequent electrospray ionization and transfer into a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. LEMS was used to detect 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB), 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), 3,4,8,9,12,13-hexaoxa-1,6-diazabicyclo[4.4.4]tetradecane (HMTD), and 3,3,6,6,9,9-hexamethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexaoxacyclononane (TATP) deposited on a steel surface. LEMS was also used to directly analyze composite propellant materials containing an explosive to determine the molecular composition of the explosive pellets at atmospheric pressure.

Ambient mass spectrometry: bringing MS into the "real world"

Mass spectrometry has recently undergone a second contemporary revolution with the introduction of a new group of desorption/ionization (DI) techniques known collectively as ambient mass spectrometry. Performed in an open atmosphere directly on samples in their natural environments or matrices, or by using auxiliary surfaces, ambient mass spectrometry (MS) has greatly simplified and increased the speed of MS analysis. Since its debut in 2004 there has been explosive growth in the applications and variants of ambient MS, and a very comprehensive set of techniques based on different desorption and ionization mechanisms is now available. Most types of molecules with a large range of masses and polarities can be ionized with great ease and simplicity with the outstanding combination of the speed, selectivity, and sensitivity of MS detection. This review describes and compares the basis of ionization and the concepts of the most promising ambient MS techniques known to date and illustrates, via typical analytical and bioanalytical applications, how ambient MS is helping to bring MS analysis deeper than ever into the "real world" open atmosphere environment--to wherever MS is needed.

Fingerprinting of yogurt products by laser desorption spray post-ionization mass spectrometry

Yogurt and related products have been directly analyzed using laser desorption spray post-ionization mass spectrometry (LDSPI-MS) in positive ion mode. Assignments are made for some of the abundant diagnostic peaks through LDSPI-MS/MS analysis in comparison with authentic compounds. It is demonstrated that different yogurt products can be reliably differentiated according to their LDSPI-MS spectra. Principal component analysis (PCA) is further used to clearly show the capability of LDSPI-MS fingerprinting for rapid sorting of yogurt products. We believe that this sample-preparation-free technique can be a very useful product screening tool in the dairy industry because of its simplicity, reliability and high throughput.

Ambient ionization mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometric ionization methods that operate under ambient conditions and require minimal or no sample pretreatment have attracted much attention in such fields as biomedicine, food safety, antiterrorism, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollution. These technologies usually involve separate ionization and sample-introduction events, allowing independent control over each set of conditions. Ionization is typically performed under ambient conditions through use of existing electrospray ionization (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) techniques. Rapid analyses of gas, liquid, and solid samples are possible with the adoption of various sample-introduction methods. This review sorts different ambient ionization techniques into two main subcategories, primarily on the basis of the ionization processes, that are further differentiated in terms of the approach used for sampling.

Atmospheric pressure infrared (10.6 microm) laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-LDESI) coupled to a LTQ Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer

We present the implementation of a CO(2) laser emitting infrared laser irradiation at 10.6 microm onto the versatile atmospheric pressure ionization platform. Infrared laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-LDESI) is demonstrated from liquid-state samples at atmospheric pressure with and without ESI postionization. Multiply charged proteins ranging in molecular mass from 8.6 to 17 kDa were detected from liquid-state samples without the addition of matrix.

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 mum) 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 beta-elimination chemistry, is also demonstrated.

Generation of multiply charged peptides and proteins by radio frequency acoustic desorption and ionization for mass spectrometric detection

The design and implementation of a radio frequency acoustic desorption ionization (RADIO) source has been demonstrated for the analysis of multiply charged peptides and proteins. One muL aliquots of melittin, BNP-32, and ubiquitin ( approximately 1 mug of analyte) were deposited onto a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrode before radio frequency actuation for desorption. Continuous electrospray parallel to/above the sampling surface enabled the ionization of desorbed species. Detection by a hybrid linear ion trap Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer confirmed the intact and dissociated species observed during MS and MS/MS experiments, respectively.

The influence of material and mesh characteristics on transmission mode desorption electrospray ionization

Adaptation of desorption electrospray ionization to a transmission mode (TM-DESI) entails passing an electrospray plume through a sample that has been deposited onto a mesh substrate. A combination of mass spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy studies is used to illustrate the critical role material composition, mesh open space, and mesh fiber diameter play on the transmission, desorption, and ionization process. Substrates with open spaces less than 150 microm and accompanying minimal strand diameters produce less scattering of the plume and therefore favor transmission. Larger strand diameters typically encompass larger open spaces, but the increase in the surface area of the strand increases plume scattering as well as solvent and analyte spreading on the mesh. Polypropylene (PP), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials afford much better desorption than similarly sized polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) or nylon-6,6 (PA66) substrates. Ultimately, the manner in which the electrospray plume interacts with the mesh as it is transmitted through the substrate is shown to be critical to performing and optimizing TM-DESI analyses. In addition, evidence is presented for analyte dependent variations in the desorption mechanisms of dry and solvated samples.

Direct analysis of liquid samples by desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS)

Desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) was evaluated for the direct analysis of liquid samples. Several interesting results were found. First, in contrast to the previous DESI analysis of dried solid samples that was limited to proteins with MW < or = 25 kDa (Anal. Chem. 2007, 79, 3514), bovine serum albumin (BSA, 66 kDa) was successfully ionized from solutions by DESI with observation of corresponding multiply charged ions. Second, direct DESI analysis of protein tryptic digest solutions without chromatographic separation, sample clean-up, and the sample drying step was demonstrated, providing reasonably good sequence coverage of 52% to 97%. Third, direct analysis of biofluids such as an undiluted urine sample without sample pretreatment is possible, emphasizing the high tolerance of DESI with salt. These results suggest that a charged droplet pick-up mechanism is responsible for desorption and ionization of liquid samples by DESI. Also, unlike in electrospray ionization (ESI), inhibition of electrochemical reduction in the negative ion mode was observed for liquid sample DESI. In addition, reactive DESI can be performed with ion/ion reactions of Zn(II) complexes for the selective binding of phosphoserine in the presence of serine. DESI experiment can also be carried out directly to liquid samples flowing out of a pumped syringe needle tip, allowing rapid analysis. Furthermore, on-line coupling of electrochemical cell with DESI-MS was demonstrated, in which perylene radical cations generated in the cell were successfully transferred to the gas-phase for MS detection by DESI. This study extended the scope of DESI-MS applications, which could have potentials in bioanalytical and forensic analysis.

Construction of a versatile high precision ambient ionization source for direct analysis and imaging

The design and construction of a high precision ambient ionization source matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDESI) are described in full detail, including a complete parts list. The computer controlled high precision motion control system and high repetition rate Explorer laser are demonstrated during MALDESI-FT-ICR analysis of peptides and proteins ranging from 1 to 17 kDa. The high stability ionization source platform described herein demonstrates both the advantages of the new MALDESI source and versatility for application to numerous desorption and ionization techniques.

Development and characterization of an ionization technique for analysis of biological macromolecules: liquid matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization

We have developed an atmospheric pressure ionization technique called liquid matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (liq-MALDESI) for the generation of multiply charged ions by laser desorption from liquid samples deposited onto a stainless steel sample target biased at a high potential. This variant of our previously reported MALDESI source does not utilize an ESI emitter to postionize neutrals. Conversely, we report desorption and ionization from a macroscopic charged droplet. We demonstrate high mass resolving power single-acquisition FT-ICR-MS analysis of peptides and proteins ranging from 1 to 8.6 kDa at atmospheric pressure. The liquid sample acts as a macroscopic charged droplet similar to those generated by electrospray ionization, whereby laser irradiation desorbs analyte from organic matrix containing charged droplets generating multiply charged ions. We have observed a singly charged radical cation of an electrochemically active species indicating oxidation occurs for analytes and therefore water; the latter would play a key role in the mechanism of ionization. Moreover, we demonstrate an increase in ion abundance and a concurrent decrease in surface tension with an increase in the applied potential.

Infrared laser-assisted desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

We have used an infrared laser for desorption of material and ionization by interaction with electrosprayed solvent. Infrared laser-assisted desorption electrospray ionization (IR LADESI) mass spectrometry was used for the direct analysis of water-containing samples under ambient conditions. An ion trap mass spectrometer was modified to include a pulsed Er:YAG laser at 2.94 microm wavelength coupled into a germanium oxide optical fiber for desorption at atmospheric pressure and a nanoelectrospray source for ionization. Analytes in aqueous solution were placed on a stainless steel target and irradiated with the pulsed IR laser. Material desorbed and ablated from the target was ionized by a continuous stream of charged droplets from the electrosprayed solvent. Peptide and protein samples analyzed using this method yield mass spectra similar to those obtained by conventional electrospray. Blood and urine were analyzed without sample pretreatment to demonstrate the capability of IR LADESI for direct analysis of biological fluids. Pharmaceutical products were also directly analyzed. Finally, the role of water as a matrix in the IR LADESI process is discussed.

Probing the mechanisms of an air amplifier using a LTQ-FT-ICR-MS and fluorescence spectroscopy

We report the first quantitative assessment of electrosprayed droplet/ion focusing enabled by the use of a voltage-assisted air amplifier between an electrospray ionization emitter and a hybrid linear ion trap Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (ESI-LTQ-FT-ICR-MS). A solution of fluorescent dye was electrosprayed with a stainless steel mesh screen placed in front of the MS inlet capillary acting as a gas-permeable imaging plate for fluorescence spectroscopy. Without use of the air amplifier, no detectable FT-ICR signal was observed, as well as no detectable fluorescence on the screen upon imaging using a fluorescence scanner. When the air amplifier was turned ON while electrospraying the fluorescent dye, FT-ICR mass spectra with high signal to noise ratio were obtained with an average ion injection time of 21 ms for an AGC target value of 5 x 10(5). Imaging of the screen using a fluorescence scanner produced a distinct spot of cross-sectional area approximately 33.5 mm(2) in front of the MS inlet capillary. These experimental results provide direct evidence of aerodynamic focusing of electrosprayed droplets/ions enabled by an air amplifier, resulting in improved electrospray droplet/ion capture efficiency and reduced ion injection time. A second set of experiments was carried out to explore whether the air amplifier assists in desolvation. By electrospraying a mix of quaternary amines, ratios of increasingly hydrophobic molecules were obtained. Observation of the solvophobic effect associated with electrospray ionization resulted in a higher abundance of the hydrophobic molecule. This bias was eliminated when the air amplifier was turned ON and a response indicative of the respective component concentrations of the molecules in the bulk solution was observed.

Carbohydrate analysis by desorption electrospray ionization fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

We report the use of desorption electrospray ionization hybrid Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (DESI-FT-ICR-MS) for the analysis of carbohydrates. Spectra of neat carbohydrates are presented along with their mass measurement accuracies and limits of detection. Furthermore, a comparison is made between the analyses of O-linked glycans from mucin by DESI-FT-ICR-MS and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Finally, glycans from mucin are identified by using the high mass measurement accuracy and tandem MS capabilities afforded by the hybrid FT-ICR-MS platform.

Remote mass spectrometric sampling of electrospray- and desorption electrospray-generated ions using an air ejector

A commercial air ejector was coupled to an electrospray ionization linear ion trap mass spectrometer (LTQ) to transport remotely generated ions from both electrospray (ESI) and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) sources. We demonstrate the remote analysis of a series of analyte ions that range from small molecules and polymers to polypeptides using the AE-LTQ interface. The details of the ESI-AE-LTQ and DESI-AE-LTQ experimental configurations are described and preliminary mass spectrometric data are presented.

Detection of attomole amounts of analyte by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) determined using fluorescence spectroscopy

We report the use of fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate the amount of material removed from a PTFE surface and detected during desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry measurements. The fluorescence intensity before and after DESI analysis of rhodamine 6G is used to determine the amount of material removed from the surface per mass spectrum. Calculations indicate low attomole amounts are removed per linear ion trap mass spectrum.

Electrospray-assisted laser desorption/ionization and tandem mass spectrometry of peptides and proteins

We have constructed an electrospray-assisted laser desorption/ionization (ELDI) source which utilizes a nitrogen laser pulse to desorb intact molecules from matrix-containing sample solution droplets, followed by electrospray ionization (ESI) post-ionization. The ELDI source is coupled to a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer and allows sampling under ambient conditions. Preliminary data showed that ELDI produces ESI-like multiply charged peptides and proteins up to 29 kDa carbonic anhydrase and 66 kDa bovine albumin from single-protein solutions, as well as from complex digest mixtures. The generated multiply charged polypeptides enable efficient tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS)-based peptide sequencing. ELDI-MS/MS of protein digests and small intact proteins was performed both by collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) and by nozzle-skimmer dissociation (NSD). ELDI-MS/MS may be a useful tool for protein sequencing analysis and top-down proteomics study, and may complement matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-based measurements.