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Keating AR, Wesdemiotis C. Rapid and simple determination of average molecular weight and composition of synthetic polymers via electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and a Bayesian universal charge deconvolution. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2023; 37:e9478. [PMID: 36669764 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Simple, affordable, and rapid methods for identifying the molecular weight (MW) distribution and macromolecular composition of polymeric materials are limited. Current tools require extensive solvent consumption, linear calibrations, and expensive consumables. A simple method for the determination of average MW (Mn , Mw ) and chain end groups is demonstrated for synthetic homopolymer standards using direct injection electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and an open-sourced charge deconvolution (CDC) algorithm. METHODS Five homopolymer standards in the 1-7 kDa MW range were analyzed using direct-injection ESI-MS on a quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The samples investigated, viz. two poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and two poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS) standards with narrow polydispersity and one poly(d,l-alanine) (pAla) standard with undefined polydispersity, were chosen to illustrate challenges with ESI-MS quantitation. Using the UniDec program, weight average MWs (Mw ) obtained from the charge-deconvoluted spectra were compared to the reported Mw data of the standards from size exclusion chromatography (SEC) measurements. RESULTS The MW data derived for the PSS, PEO, and pAla standards agreed well with the corresponding reported Mw or MW range values. The method was able to provide MW, degree of polymerization (DP), and polydispersity index (PDI) information for polymers with narrow (PSS, PEO) as well as broader (pAla) molecular weight distribution; this feature provides an advantage over MW analysis via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) for ESI-compatible materials. PSS standards differing in average MW by only a few repeat units could be confidently distinguished. Additionally, the oligomeric resolution observed for all samples studied unveiled chain-end information not available through chromatographic analysis. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the free and easy-to-use UniDec CDC algorithm provides a simple, alternative method to measuring MW and DP for polymeric materials without high solvent consumption, expensive ionization sources, or calibration curves. Information about the masses of individual oligomers and the possibility to further characterize these oligomers using tandem mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility techniques constitutes additional benefits of this approach vis-à-vis traditional MW and PDI elucidation through SEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Addie R Keating
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Chrys Wesdemiotis
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
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Sun A'B, Li S, Kou X. Applications of MALDI-TOF-MS in structural characterization of synthetic polymers. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:868-883. [PMID: 36745057 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay01583h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has been utilized to rapidly and precisely characterize the detailed molecular structures of synthetic polymers. This review summarizes recent progress regarding MALDI-TOF-MS for the characterization of synthetic polymers with a focus on specific important experimental aspects including sample preparation, the choice of matrix, the effects of cationizing agents and solvents, data processing and various applications. Finally, the recent trend of MALDI-TOF-MS development is discussed. We hope this review will be instructive for graduate students and junior users who need to use MALDI-TOF-MS as a necessary characterization technique for new synthetic polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A 'Bin Sun
- Shandong Provincial Education Department, Key Laboratory of Biobased Polymer Materials, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Siting Li
- Shandong Provincial Education Department, Key Laboratory of Biobased Polymer Materials, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Xinhui Kou
- Shandong Provincial Education Department, Key Laboratory of Biobased Polymer Materials, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
- Analyses and Testing Center, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
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Habumugisha T, Zhang Z, Ndayishimiye JC, Nkinahamira F, Kayiranga A, Cyubahiro E, Rehman A, Yan C, Zhang X. Evaluation and optimization of the influence of silver cluster ions on the MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of polystyrene nanoplastic polymers. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 14:763-772. [PMID: 35112122 DOI: 10.1039/d1ay02219a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the analysis of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNs), a nonpolar polymer (NP), using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), silver salts were used as cationization reagents and simultaneously brought the potential problems of silver clusters that interfered with the PSN signal of MS. To detect PSNs, silver trifluoroacetate (AgTFA) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were mixed with five polar matrices, namely 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo) benzoic acid (HABA), dithranol (DI), sinapic acid (SA), trans-3-indoleacrylic acid (IAA), and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and three nonpolar matrices, namely pyrene (PRN), anthracene (ATH) and acenaphthene (ACTH). The results showed that silver salt cluster ions were detected in the range of m/z 1000-4000. Five polar matrices with silver salts produced silver clusters, which interfered with the signals in the mass spectrum of PSNs, but the combination of these matrices with copper II chloride (CuCl2) salt did not produce copper-related clusters. However, the use of nonpolar matrices such as PRN, ATH or ACTH significantly decreased the signals of silver salt cluster ions, and this alteration of matrix types is considered a promising optimization approach for silver cluster ions. The nonpolar matrix conditions were optimized without producing silver cluster ions and the optimal detection conditions were found to be under nonpolar matrices (e.g., pyrene) with silver salts (e.g., AgTFA). The results suggest that when polar matrices, such as HABA, DI, SA, IAA, and DHB, are combined with silver salts in MALDI-TOF-MS analysis, silver-related clusters are detected in the range of m/z 1000-4000. Inhibition of the production of silver cluster ions can be achieved by the use of a nonpolar matrix (e.g., PRN) or polar matrix (e.g., DHB) with copper salts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théogène Habumugisha
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zixing Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Jean Claude Ndayishimiye
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - François Nkinahamira
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Alexis Kayiranga
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Eric Cyubahiro
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Abdul Rehman
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Changzhou Yan
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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Smoluch M, Sobczyk J, Szewczyk I, Karaszkiewicz P, Silberring J. Mass spectrometry in art conservation-With focus on paintings. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2021:e21767. [PMID: 34870867 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Conservation of historic artifacts has been a multidisciplinary field from its very beginning. Traditionally, it has been and still is associated with the history of art. It applies knowledge from technical and basic sciences, adapting their solutions to its goals. At present, however, a new tendency is clearly emerging-scientific research is starting to play an increasingly important role not only as a service, but also by proposing new solutions both in the traditional conservation areas and in new areas of conservation activities. The above trend opens up new perspectives for the field of preservation of our heritage but may also create new threats. Therefore, the conservators' caution in introducing new technologies should always be justified; after all, they are responsible for the effects of any activities on the historic objects. This, quite selective review, discusses application of mass spectrometry techniques for the detection of various components that are important to the conservators of our heritage with particular focus on paintings. The text also contains some basic knowledge of technical details to introduce the methodology to a broader group of professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Smoluch
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza, Poland
| | - Joanna Sobczyk
- Department of Museum Prevention, Krakow Division, National Museum, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Szewczyk
- Department of Museum Prevention, Krakow Division, National Museum, Kraków, Poland
| | - Pawel Karaszkiewicz
- Department of Museum Prevention, Krakow Division, National Museum, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy Silberring
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza, Poland
- Department of Museum Prevention, Krakow Division, National Museum, Kraków, Poland
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Conway U, Warren AD, Arthur CJ, Gates PJ. A study of the application of graphite MALDI to the analysis of short-chain polyethylene glycols. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py01493a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
MALDI-MS using colloidal graphite matrix doped with lithium chloride for the successful analysis of low molecular weight polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulric Conway
- School of Chemistry
- University of Bristol
- Bristol
- UK
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