Optimization of sample preparation for peptide sequencing by MALDI-TOF photofragment mass spectrometry. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • This paper describes the optimization of sample preparation for MALDI 193-nm photofragment ion time-of-flight mass spectrometry to sequence small to medium-sized peptides from peptide mixtures. We show that matrix additives, such as fructose and phenylbutyric acid have a dramatic effect on the abundance of fragment ions observed in the post-source decay spectra. A dried-droplet MALDI matrix consisting of 1:1 alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid/fructose proves to be an excellent matrix for photodissociation because [M + H]+ ions are formed with low internal energies, and the photofragment ion spectrum contains high abundances of sequence-informative ions. The addition of fructose appears to improve overall sample homogeneity and durability, as compared to conventional alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid dried-droplet preparations. MALDI-TOF photodissociation is then used to selectively sequence the peptides bradykinin (RPPGFSPFR), des-Arg9 bradykinin (RPPGFSPF), and substance P-amide (RPKPQQFFGLM-NH2) from a mixture of five peptides.

published proceedings

  • Anal Chem

author list (cited authors)

  • Hettick, J. M., McCurdy, D. L., Barbacci, D. C., & Russell, D. H.

citation count

  • 23

complete list of authors

  • Hettick, JM||McCurdy, DL||Barbacci, DC||Russell, DH

publication date

  • November 2001