• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.87-92
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• 2012

In this study, we explored a new approach for generating ions of organics and biomolecules using contactless atmospheric pressure ionization (C-API). That is, a tapered capillary (~20 cm) was connected to a syringe, which was coupled to a syringe pump for providing a given flow rate to introduce sample solution to the proximity of a mass spectrometer. The gas phase ions derived from analytes were readily formed in the capillary outlet, which was very close to the mass spectrometer (~1 mm). No external electric connection was applied on the capillary emitter. This setup is very simple, but it can function as an ion source. This approach can be readily used for the analysis of small molecules such as amino acids and large molecules such as peptides and proteins. The limit of the detection of this approach was estimated to be ~10 pM when using bradykinin as the sample. Thus, we believe that this approach should be very useful for being used as an alternative ion source because of its low cost, high sensitivity, simplicity, and ease of operation.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.27-30
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• 2015

This article reviews the fundamentals of sample preparation used in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). MALDI is a soft ionization method used to generate analyte ions in their intact forms, which are then detected in MS analysis. MALDI-MS boasts fast analysis times and easy-to-use operation. The disadvantages of MALDI-MS include the occurrence of matrix-associated peaks and inhomogeneous distribution of analyte within the matrix. To overcome the disadvantages of MALDI-MS, various efforts have been directed such as using different matrices, novel matrix systems, various additives, and different sample preparation methods. These various efforts will be discussed in detail. This article will benefit those who would like to obtain basic knowledge of MALDI sample preparation and those who would like to use MALDI-MS in their chemical analyses.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.71-74
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• 2015

Low temperature plasma (LTP) ionization mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the widely used ambient analysis methods which allows soft-ionization and rapid analysis of samples in ambient condition with minimal or no sample preparation. One of the major advantages of LTP MS is selective analysis of low-molecular weight, volatile and low- to medium-polarity analytes in a sample. On the contrary, the selectivity for particular class of compound also implies its limitation in general analysis. One of the critical factors limiting LTP ionization efficiency is poor desorption of analytes with low volatility. In this study, a home-built LTP ionization source with Peltier heating sample stage was constructed to enhance desorption and ionization efficiencies of analytes in a sample and its performance was evaluated using standard mixture containing fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). It was also used to reproduce the previous bacterial identification experiment using pattern-recognition for FAEEs. Our result indicates, however, that the bacterial differentiation from FAEE pattern recognition using LTP ionization MS still has many limitations.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.79-82
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• 2013

Various types of alkaloids observed in several herbal medicines were analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in positive ion mode. In the present study, MS/MS spectralpatterns were investigated for eight-types of alkaloids (aporpine, protoberberine, tetrahydroprotoberberine, benzylisoquinoline, protopine, phthalide, morpine, and bisbenzylisoquinoline). For aporpine- and protoberberine-type alkaloids, main fragmentations occurred at substituted groups on rigid ring structures, not showing ring fusion. Interesting fragmentations due to iminolization and retro-Diels-Alder (RDA) reaction were observed in MS/MS spectra of protopine- and tetrahydroprotobereberine-type alkaloids. Also, several types of fragmentations such as inductive cleavage and ${\alpha}$-cleavage, or bond cleavage between two ring structures were observed depending on their structural characteristics. These fragmentation patterns are expected to allow instant classification of the specific alkaloid type in various MS/MS spectra of alkaloids.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.12-15
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• 2014

Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) was used to determine the concentration and isotope ratio of uranium contained in samples of soil and groundwater collected from Korea. Quantification of uranium in ground water samples was performed by isotope dilution mass spectrometry. A series of chemical treatment processes, including chemical separation using extraction chromatography, was applied to the soil samples to extract the uranium. No treatments other than filtration were applied to the groundwater samples. Isotopic analyses by TIMS showed that the isotope ratios of uranium in both the soil and water samples were indistinguishable from those of naturally abundant uranium. The concentration of uranium in the groundwater samples was within the U.S. acceptable standards for drinking water. These results demonstrate the utility of TIMS for monitoring uranium in environmental samples with high analytical reliability.

• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.7
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• pp.349-356
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• 2020

Mass spectrometry (MS) is an ideal tool for analyzing multiple types of (bio)molecular information simultaneously in complex biological systems. In addition, MS provides structural information on targets, and can easily discriminate between true analytes and background. Therefore, imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) enables not only visualization of tissues to give positional information on targets but also allows for molecular analysis of targets by affording the molecular weights. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) MS is particularly effective and is generally used for IMS. However, the requirement for an organic matrix raises several limitations that get in the way of accurate and reliable images and hampers imaging of small molecules such as drugs and their metabolites. To overcome these problems, various organic matrix-free LDI IMS systems have been developed, mostly utilizing nanostructured surfaces and inorganic nanoparticles as an alternative to the organic matrix. This minireview highlights and focuses on the progress in organic matrix-free LDI IMS and briefly discusses the use of other IMS techniques such as desorption electrospray ionization, laser ablation electrospray ionization, and secondary ion mass spectrometry.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 1984

An improved mass spectrometric method for multicomponent analysis of metabolites in urine, well-suited for clinical biochemistry, is described. The method involves solvent elution of the metabolites from an adsorbent and the concentration of the eluate on a microadsorption column. This is administered by a direct inlet probe into the ionizing source of field ionization mass spectrometry (FIMS), which yield a molecular weight profile of the metabolites. The procedure provides rapidly (within one hour) reproducible profiles from a small volume of urine. The optimization of the sampling technique and the reproducibility are discussed.

• BMB Reports
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.122-126
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• 1996

A series of oligonucleotides were synthesized by automatic DNA synthesizer. The purity of crude products was checked and their molecular weights determined by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) with an accuracy of better than 0.05% deviation even without using an internal standard. This mass determining technology in combination with partial digestion of oligonucleotides by 5'- and 3'-exonuclease provides a straightforward and simple method to obtain sequence information of oligonucleotides. The extension of this technology to the sequencing of modified oligonucleotides and genomic DNA and RNA might become possible.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.212-217
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• 2005

Desorption/ionization on silicon mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS) is a relatively new laser desorption/ionization technique for mass spectrometry without employing an organic matrix. This present study was carried to survey the experimental factors to improve the efficiency of DIOS-MS through electrochemical etching condition in structure and morphological properties of the porous silicon. The porous structure of silicon structure and its properties are crucial for the better performance of DIOS-MS and they can be controlled by the suitable selection of electrochemical conditions. The fabrication of porous silicon and ion signals on DIOS-MS were examined as a function of silicon orientation, etching time, etchant, current flux, irradiation, pore size, and pore depth. We have also examined the effect of pre- and post-etching conditions for their effect on DIOS-MS. Finally, we could optimize the electrochemical conditions for the efficient performance of DIOS-MS in the analysis of small molecule such as amino acid, drug and peptides without any unknown noise or fragmentation.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.191-195
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• 2000

Quantitation of N7-methyldeoxyguanosine (N7-MedG) produced in the in vitro N-methly-N-nitrosuourea (NMU) action on thymus DNA has been achieved by enzymatic degradation, liquid chromatoraphic separaphic separation and desorption chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry. In conjunction with the resolving power HPLC in the separation of isomers, desorprion chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry has utilized in determining modified nucleosides at low levels using a stable-isotope labled compound as an internal reforence. The quantitative estimation of N7-methyldeoxyguanosine was previously established by an independent HPLC analysis of methylated calf thymus DNA. A sensitive and specific methodogy for the quantitation of N7-MedG at the picomole level using HPLC combined with tandem mass spectrometry without radioisotope labeling process is presented. The potential of the liquid chromatoraphic tandem mass exposure to methlation agents in vitro.