Time-Resolved Mass Spectrometry

Time-Resolved Mass Spectrometry

Author: Saskia Neubacher

Biological processes can be very dynamic and characterization of the reaction intermediates along the reaction path together with the kinetic profiles is important to fully understand the reaction mechanism. Time-dependent mass spectrometry measurements show several advantages over other techniques, such as conceptual simplicity, low sample concentrations, and speed, which allows capturing non-equilibrium states.

Michal Sharon, Weizmann Institute of Sciences, Rehovot, Israel, and colleagues have developed a rapid continuous-flow mixing apparatus for real-time electrospray mass spectrometry measurements. By minimizing metal-solution interfaces and by providing a sheath flow of nitrogen gas, a stable and continuous spray is achieved, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio.

According to the researchers, the device can easily replace commercial electrospray ionization sources on mass spectrometers. Improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced experimental repeat errors were demonstrated with the unfolding reaction of cytochrome C.


 

Leave a Reply

Kindly review our community guidelines before leaving a comment.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *