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Unprecedented Ionization Processes in Mass SpectrometryProvide Missing Link between ESI and MALDI
(2018)
In the field of mass spectrometry,producing intact, highly-charged protein ions from surfaces is a conundrum with significant potential payoff in application areas ranging from bio-medical to clinical research. Here, we report on the ability to form intact, highly-charged protein ions on high vacuum time-of-flight mass spectrometers in the linear and reflectron modes achievable using experimental conditions that allow effective matrix removal from both the sample surfaces and from the charged clusters formed by the laser Ablation event. The charge states are the highest reported on high vacuum mass spectrometers, yet they remain at only around athird of the highest charge obtained using laser ablation with a suitable matrix at atmospheric pressure. Other than physical instrument modifications, the key to forming abundant and stable highly-charged ions appears to be the volatility of the matrix used. Cumulative results suggest mechanistic links between the ionization process reported here and traditional ionization methods of electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorp-tion/ionization.
Recently, efforts towards the development of patient-specific 3D printed scaffolds for bone tissue engineering from bioactive ceramics have continuously intensified. For reconstruction of segmental defects after subtotal mandibulectomy a suitable tissue engineered bioceramic bone graft needs to be endowed with homogenously distributed osteoblasts in order to mimic the advantageous features of vascularized autologous fibula grafts, which represent the standard of care, contain osteogenic cells and are transplanted with the respective blood vessel. Consequently, inducing vascularization early on is pivotal for bone tissue engineering. The current study explored an advanced bone tissue engineering approach combining an advanced 3D printing technique for bioactive resorbable ceramic scaffolds with a perfusion cell culture technique for pre-colonization with mesenchymal stem cells, and with an intrinsic angiogenesis technique for regenerating critical size, segmental discontinuity defects in vivo applying a rat model. To this end, the effect of differing Si-CAOP (silica containing calcium alkali orthophosphate) scaffold microarchitecture arising from 3D powder bed printing (RP) or the Schwarzwalder Somers (SSM) replica fabrication technique on vascularization and bone regeneration was analyzed in vivo. In 80 rats 6-mm segmental discontinuity defects were created in the left femur.
A recently introduced procedure involving a mechanistic switch from reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to ring-opening polymerization (ROP) to form diblock copolymers is applied to synthesize ABA (star) block copolymers. The synthetic steps include the polymerization of styrene with R-group designed RAFT agents, the transformation of the thiocarbonyl thio end groups into OH functionalities, and their subsequent chain extension by ROP. The obtained linear ABA poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(styrene)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (pCL-b-pS-b-pCL) (12 500 g mol1 ≤ Mn ≤ 33 000 g mol1) and the star-shaped poly(styrene)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (Mn = 36 000 g mol1) copolymers were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. The focus of the current study is on the detailed characterization of the ABA (star) block polymers via multidimensional chromatographic techniques specifically high performance liquid chromatography coupled to size exclusion chromatography (HPLC-SEC). In particular, we demonstrate the first time separation of poly(ε-caprolactone) (pCL) homopolymer and additionally poly(styrene) (pS) from the ABA poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(styrene)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) and star-shaped poly(styrene)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) block copolymer utilizing critical conditions (CC) for pCL with concomitant gradient elution liquid chromatography (GELC).
Exceptional ion mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) developments by von Helden, Jarrold, and Clemmer provided technology that gives a view of chemical/biological compositions previously not achievable. The ionization method of choice used with IMS-MS has been electrospray ionization (ESI). In this Special issue contribution, we focus on fundamentals of heretofore unprecedented means for transferring volatile and nonvolatile compounds into gas-phase ions singly and multiply charged. These newer ionization processes frequently lead to different selectivity relative to ESI and, together with IMS-MS, may provide a more comprehensive view of chemical compositions directly from their original Environment such as surfaces, e.g., tissue. Similarities of results using solvent- and matrix-assisted ionization are highlighted, as are differences between ESI and the inlet ionization methods, especially with mixtures such as bacterial extracts. Selectivity using different matrices is discussed, as are results which add to our fundamental knowledge of inlet ionization as well as pose additional avenues for inquiry. IMS-MS provides an opportunity for comparison studies relative to ESI and will prove valuable using the new ionization technologies for direct analyses. Our hypothesis is that some ESI-IMS-MS applications will be replaced by the new ionization processes and by understanding mechanistic aspects to aid enhanced source and method developments this will be hastened.
Matrix‐assisted ionization (MAI) mass spectrometry does not require voltages, a laser beam, or added heat to initiate ionization, but it is strongly dependent on the choice of matrix and the vacuum conditions. High charge state distributions of nonvolatile analyte ions produced by MAI suggest that the ionization mechanism may be similar to that of electrospray ionization (ESI), but different from matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). While significant information is available for MAI using mass spectrometers operating at atmospheric and intermediate pressure, little is known about the mechanism at high vacuum.
Eleven MAI matrices were studied on a high‐vacuum time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer using a 266 nm pulsed laser beam under otherwise typical MALDI conditions. Detailed comparisons with the commonly used MALDI matrices and theoretical prediction were made for 3‐nitrobenzonitrile (3‐NBN), which is the only MAI matrix that works well in high vacuum when irradiated with a laser.
Screening of MAI matrices with good absorption at 266 nm but with various degrees of volatility and laser energies suggests that volatility and absorption at the laser wavelength may be necessary, but not sufficient, criteria to explain the formation of multiply charged analyte ions. 3‐NBN produces intact, highly charged ions of nonvolatile analytes in high‐vacuum TOF with the use of a laser, demonstrating that ESI‐like ions can be produced in high vacuum. Theoretical calculations and mass spectra suggest that thermally induced proton transfer, which is the major ionization mechanism in MALDI, is not important with the 3‐NBN matrix at 266 nm laser wavelength. 3‐NBN:analyte crystal morphology is, however, important in ion generation in high vacuum.
The 3‐NBN MAI matrix produces intact, highly charged ions of nonvolatile compounds in high‐vacuum TOF mass spectrometers with the aid of ablation and/or heating by laser irradiation, and shows a different ionization mechanism from that of typical MALDI matrices.
If the results from various proficiency tests are used to compare the performance of accredited and non-accredited laboratories, great care must be taken not to come to contradicting conclusions when interpreting them. This paper intends to draw the attention to various aspects that should be taken into account when trying to make conclusions from the relative performance of accredited laboratories in proficiency testing.
The development of a facile covalent strategy for the fabrication of organic conducting polymers (OCPs)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based molecular hybrid materials remains a challenge and is expected to address the detrimental intrinsic bundling issue of CNTs. In view of the pristine CNTs' ability to undergo Diels–Alder reactions with dienes, we report the synthesis of a novel poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) based organic conducting polymer (OCP) with terminal cyclopentadienyl (Cp) groups. The synthetic strategy employed is based on a combination of in situ end group functionalization via Grignard metathesis (GRIM) polymerization and a subsequent end group switching via reaction with nickelocene. Characterization data from Matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDITOF MS) fully support the successful synthesis of monofunctional Cp-capped P3HT, which was found to be highly reactive toward dienophile end-capped polystyrene (PS). The Cp-capped P3HT was subsequently ligated to the surface of pristine single walled CNTs (SWCNTs). The resulting P3HT/SWCNTs molecular hybrid material was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis (EA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The data from TGA, EA, and XPS were used to quantitatively deduce the grafting density. P3HT/SWCNTs prepared with Cp capped P3HT was found to contain 2 times more P3HT than the reference sample, featuring a grafting density of 0.0510 chains·nm–2 and a periodicity of 1 P3HT chain per 748 carbon atoms of the SWCNTs. HRTEM revealed individual SWCNTs wrapped with P3HT whereas in the reference sample P3HT was adsorbed on the bundles of the SWCNTs. The results presented here provide a new avenue for designing novel materials based on CNTs and OCPs.
Ring-opening polymerization of N-substituted glycine N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) was applied to prepare a series of well-defined poly(N-C3 glycine)s (C3 = n-propyl, allyl, propargyl, and isopropyl), polypeptoids, with molecular weights in the range of 1.8–6.6 kg mol–1. Poly(N-isopropyl glycine), a previously unreported polypeptoid, could be obtained by bulk polymerization of the corresponding NCA in the melt. The samples were characterized by spectroscopy (NMR and FT-IR), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI–ToF MS). The polymers could be dispersed in water up to 20–40 g L–1; the poly(N-propargyl glycine) was not soluble in water. Turbidity measurements of the three water-soluble polypeptoids illustrated cloud point temperatures dependent on structural and electronic properties of the side chain. The cloud point temperatures were found to increase in the order C3 = n-propyl (15–25 °C) < allyl (27–54 °C) < isopropyl (47–58 °C). Long-term annealing of the aqueous solution of poly(N-{n-propyl} glycine) and poly(N-allyl glycine) above the cloud point temperature resulted in the formation of crystalline microparticles with melting points of 188–198 and 157–165 °C (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), respectively, and rose bud type morphology (scanning electron microscopy, SEM).
For the development of selective and sensitive chemical sensors, we have developed a new family of poly(etherphosphoramide) polymers. These polymers were obtained with satisfactory yields by nucleophilic aromatic polycondensation using isosorbide as green resources, and bisphenol A with two novel difluoro phosphinothioic amide monomers. Unprecedented, the thiophosphorylated aminoheterocycles monomers, functionalized with two heterocyclic amine, N-methylpiperazine and morpholine were successfully obtained by nucleophilic substitution reaction of P(S)–Cl compound. The resulting polymers were characterized by different analytical techniques (NMR, MALDI–ToF MS, GPC, DSC, and ATG). The resulting partially green polymers, having tertiary phosphine sulfide with P–N side chain functionalities along the main chain of polymers are the sensitive film at the surface of a gold electrode for the impedimetric detection of Cd, Ni, Pb and Hg. The bio-based poly(etherphosphoramide) functionalized with N-methylpiperazine modified sensor showed better analytical performance
than petrochemical based polymers for the detection of Ni2+. A detection limit of 50 pM was obtained which is very low compared to the previously published electrochemical sensors for nickel detection.
The main objective of this work was to design new advanced sorbent phases, alternating copolymers, derived from isosorbide and 2,6-difluorpyridine, to be used for the removal of aromatic organic pollutants present in water at low concentrations. Six different monomers, dianhydrohexitols isomers and bisphenol derivatives, weresynthesized in order to make it possible to study their hydrophilic and hydrophobiceffect on the sorption efficiency of the resulting polymeric phases. Before this study, we have confirmed the chemicals structures, molecular weights, and thermal properties of the obtained polymeric phases. Sorption results show a higher adsorption efficiency of P6 co-poly(ether-pyridine) based on bisphenol substituted with pyridineunits, for all tested pollutants, hydrophobic and hydrophilic ones, due to its less compact structure. Two aromatic organic pollutants, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and toluicacid, were selected as sorbates to study the adsorption characteristic, kinetics and isotherms of the copoly(ether pyridine) P6. Langmuir model led to a better fitting of the sorption isotherms; the sorption of toluic acid is easier than of that p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Comparing 1/n values for benzoic acid was two time lower for P6 compared to that for biochar and for crosslinked methacrylate resin, showing a higher efficiency
In this work, four triazole-based poly(ether-pyridine)s polymers were synthesized and used as an adsorbent for the removal of phenolic compounds from aqueous solutions. For this purpose, new fluoromonomers containing 1,2,3-triazole units were prepared by the Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction and then used for the elaboration of novel poly(ether-pyridine-triazole)s (PEPTs) by direct polyconden-sation with isosorbide and bisphenol A. Chemical structure of fluorinated pyridinicmonomers as well as resulting polymers was confirmed by 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopic methods. The thermal behavior of the obtained PEPTs was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Results of sorption showed that polymers can be effectively used as a sorbent for the removal of polarorganic pollutants. The isosorbide-based poly(ether-pyridine-triazole) which contains hydrophilic hydroxyl groups as pendants chains (P4) exhibited the highest sorption efficiencies (78%–100% after 1 h). In order to explain the results an adsorption mech-anism mainly based on π–π interactions and hydrogen bonding with the pendent groups is proposed.
In the framework of the development of green analytical chemistry, a silica gel (SG) coated with a semi-penetrating network based on the partially biosourced poly(ethersulfone) is studied for a greener extraction process of aromatic organic pollutants. An optimized composition of the semi-penetrating network (80% of the linear polymer (LP): isosorbide-based poly(ethersulfone) and 20% cross-linking agent (XP) type bismaleimide) leads to a total adsorption of the selected aromatic pollutants, whatever their hydrophilicity. Adsorption characteristic, kinetics and isotherms of the SG-semi-INP LP80/XP20 for p-hydroxybenzoic acid and for toluic acid were studied. Langmuir model led to a better ftting of the adsorption isotherms; the adsorption of toluic acid is easier than that of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. 1/n values of benzoic acid was lower for SGsemi-INP LP80/XP20 compared to biochar and to cross-linked methacrylate resin, showing a higher adsorption efciency.
Two decades after the introduction of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI), soft ionization mass spectrometry represents a powerful toolset for the structural investigation of synthetic polymers. The present review highlights the current state-of-the-art, covering the latest developments of novel techniques, enabling instrumentation as well as the important applications of soft ionization MS from the beginning of 2008. Special attention is paid to the role that soft ionization MS has played in the mechanistic investigation of radical polymerization processes since 2005.
The protein corona, which forms on the nanoparticle's surface in most biological media, determines the nanoparticles physicochemical characteristics. The formation of the protein corona has a significant impact on the biodistribution and clearance of nanoparticles in vivo. Therefore, the ability to influence the formation of the protein corona is essential to most biomedical applications, including drug delivery and imaging. In this study, we investigate the protein adsorption on nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic radius of 30 nm and a coating of thermoresponsive poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) in serum. Using multiangle dynamic light scattering (DLS) we demonstrate that heating of the nanoparticles above their phase separation temperature induces the formation of agglomerates, with a hydrodynamic radius of 1 µm. In serum, noticeably stronger agglomeration occurs at lower temperatures compared to serum-free conditions. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) revealed a high packing density of agglomerates when serum was not present. In contrast, in the presence of serum, agglomerated nanoparticles were loosely packed, indicating that proteins are intercalated between them. Moreover, an increase in protein content is observed upon heating, confirming that protein adsorption is induced by the alteration of the surface during phase separation. After cooling and switching the surface back, most of the agglomerates were dissolved and the main fraction returned to the original size of approximately 30 nm as shown by asymmetrical flow-field flow fractionation (AF-FFF) and DLS. Furthermore, the amounts of adsorbed proteins are similar before and after heating the nanoparticles to above their phase-separation temperature. Overall, our results demonstrate that the thermoresponsivity of the polymer coating enables turning the corona formation on nanoparticles on and off in situ. As the local heating of body areas can be easily done in vivo, the thermoresponsive coating could potentially be used to induce the agglomeration of nanoparticles and proteins and the accumulation of nanoparticles in a targeted body region.
Designing artificial macromolecules with absolute sequence order represents a considerable challenge. Here we report an advanced light-induced avenue to monodisperse sequencedefined functional linear macromolecules up to decamers via a unique photochemical approach. The versatility of the synthetic strategy—combining sequential and modular concepts—enables the synthesis of perfect macromolecules varying in chemical constitution and topology. Specific functions are placed at arbitrary positions along the chain via the successive addition of monomer units and blocks, leading to a library of functional homopolymers, alternating copolymers and block copolymers. The in-depth characterization of each sequence-defined chain confirms the precision nature of the macromolecules. Decoding of the functional information contained in the molecular structure is achieved via tandem mass spectrometry without recourse to their synthetic history, showing that the sequence information can be read.We submit that the presented photochemical strategy is a viable and advanced concept for coding individual monomer units along a macromolecular chain.
Multivariate analysis of MALDI imaging mass spectrometry data of mixtures of single pollen grains
(2018)
Mixtures of pollen grains of three different species (Corylus avellana, Alnus cordata, and Pinus sylvestris) were investigated by matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF imaging MS). The amount of pollen grains was reduced stepwise from > 10 to single pollen grains. For sample pretreatment, we modified a previously applied approach, where any additional extraction steps were omitted.
Our results show that characteristic pollen MALDI mass spectra can be obtained from a single pollen grain, which is the prerequisite for a reliable pollen classification in practical applications. MALDI imaging of laterally resolved pollen grains provides additional information by reducing the complexity of the MS spectra of mixtures, where frequently peak discrimination is observed. Combined with multivariate statistical analyses, such as principal component analysis (PCA), our approach offers the chance for a fast and reliable identification of individual pollen grains by mass spectrometry.
The structure and composition of polycarbonate polydimethylsiloxane copolymer (PC-co-PDMS) was investigated by applying various analytical approaches including chromatographic separation methods, spectrometric, and spectroscopic detection techniques. In particular, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and liquid adsorption chromatography operating at different conditions (e.g. using gradient solvent systems) were used to achieve separations according to molar mass and functionality distribution. The coupling of both techniques resulted in fingerprint two-dimensional plots, which could be used to easily compare different copolymer batches. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was applied for structural investigations. The different ionization behavior of both comonomers, however, strongly limited the applicability of this technique. In contrast to that, Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy could be used to quantify the amount of PDMS in the copolymer at different points in the chromatogram. The resulting methodology was capable of distinguishing PC-co-PDMS copolymer from PC homopolymer chains present in the material.
The preparation and characterization of poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) bearing a polystyrene backbone via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and their photolithographic patterning on silicon wafers is reported. The controlled radical polymerization of the styrenic ionic liquid (IL) monomers ([BVBIM]X, X = Cl− or Tf2N−) by RAFT polymerization is investigated in detail. We provide a general synthetic tool to access this class of PILs with controlled molecular weight and relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (2000 g mol−1 ≤ Mn ≤ 10 000 g mol−1 with dispersities between 1.4 and 1.3 for p([BVBIM]Cl); 2100 g mol−1 ≤ MP ≤ 14 000 g mol−1 for p([BVBIM]Tf2N)). More importantly, we provide an in-depth characterization of the PILs and demonstrate a detailed mass spectrometric analysis via matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) as well as – for the first time for PILs – electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Importantly, p([BVBIM]Cl) and p([DMVBIM]Tf2N) were photochemically patterned on silicon wafers. Therefore, a RAFT agent carrying a photoactive group based on ortho-quinodimethane chemistry – more precisely photoenol chemistry – was photochemically linked for subsequent controlled radical polymerization of [BVBIM]Cl and [DMVBIM]Tf2N. The successful spatially-resolved photografting is evidenced by surface-sensitive characterization methods such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The presented method allows for the functionalization of diverse surfaces with poly(ionic liquid)s.
Gußeisen mit Kugelgraphit und ferritischer bzw. ferritisch-perlitischer Matrix gehören zu einer Werkstoffgruppe, die ausreichende Festigkeiten mit hohen Duktilitäten verbindet. Mit der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden die Kenntnisse über die Zusammenhänge zwischen der chemischen Zusammensetzung, der Gefügeausbildung und den mechanischen Eigenschaften erweitert. Dabei wurden sowohl unterschiedliche Gießverfahren (Sand- und Kokillenguß) in der Herstellung, als auch die Auswirkungen von Umwandlungsprozessen im Gefüge infolge von Wärmebehandlungen diskutiert. Die statistische Auswertung von Einzelergebnissen aus der qualitätssichernden Begutachtung von Lager- und Transportbehältern für radioaktive Stoffe wurden durch mechanische und bruchmechanische Untersuchungen an 24 Werkstoffsorten aus Gußeisen mit Kugelgraphit ergänzt.
This article describes the elaboration and characterization of diethylphosphonate-containing polymers coated electrodes as sensors for the detection of heavy metalstraces, by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Diethylphosphonate groupswere chosen as heavy metals binding sites. Two different series of polymers bearingthese anchoring groups were synthesized. Whereas the diethylphosphonate groupsare directly incorporated in the aromatic macromolecular chain in some polymers, analiphatic spacer is removing the chelating site from the polymer backbone in others.The influence of the macromolecular structure on the sensing response was studied,especially for the detection of Pb2+,Ni2+,Cd2+and Hg2+. Polymer P6, including thehigher amount of diethylphosphonate groups removed from the polymer chain by ashort alkyl spacer gave the higher sensitivity of detection of lead ions, with a detec-tion limit of 50 pM
RATIONALE
Polymer sample spots for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) prepared by the dried-droplet method often reveal ring formation accompanied by possible segregation of matrix and sample molecules as well as of the polymer homologs itself. Since the majority of sample spots are prepared by this simple and fast method, a matrix or sample preparation method that excludes such segregation has to be found.
METHODS
Three different ionic liquid matrices based on conventionally used aromatic compounds for MALDI-TOF MS were prepared. The formation of ionic liquids was proven by 1H NMR spectroscopy. MALDI-Imaging mass spectrometry was applied to monitor the homogeneity.
RESULTS
Our results show a superior sample spot homogeneity using ionic liquid matrices. Spots could be sampled several times without visible differences in the mass spectra. A frequently observed loss of matrix in the mass spectrometer vacuum was not observed. The necessary laser irradiance was reduced, which resulted in less polymer fragmentation.
CONCLUSIONS
Ionic liquid matrices can be used to overcome segregation, a typical drawback of conventional MALDI dried-droplet preparations. Homogeneous sample spots are easy to prepare, stable in the MS vacuum and, thereby, improve the reproducibility of MALDI.
The segregation in dried droplet MALDI sample spots was analyzed with regard to the matrix-to-sample ratio using optical microscopy, MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI MSI) and IR imaging spectroscopy. In this context, different polymer/matrix/solvent systems usually applied in the analysis of synthetic polymers were investigated. The use of typical matrix concentrations (10 mg mL-1) in almost every case resulted in ring patterns, whereas higher concentrated matrix solutions always led to homogeneous sample spot layers. The data revealed that segregation is predominantly caused by matrix transport in the drying droplet, whereas polymer segregation seems to be only secondary.
Rationale
The ionization of polystyrenes in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is typically achieved by the use of silver salts. Since silver salts can cause severe problems, such as cluster formation, fragmentation of polymer chains and end group cleavage, their substitution by alkali salts is highly desirable.
Methods
The influence of various cations (Ag+, Cs+ and Rb+) on the MALDI process of polystyrene (PS) mixtures and high mass polystyrenes was examined. The sample preparation was kept as straightforward as possible. Consequently, no recrystallization or other cleaning procedures were applied.
Results
The investigation of a polystyrene mixture showed that higher molecular polystyrenes could be more easily ionized using caesium, rather than rubidium or silver salts. In combination with the use of DCTB as matrix a high-mass polymer analysis could be achieved, which was demonstrated by the detection of a 1.1 MDa PS.
Conclusions
A fast, simple and robust MALDI sample preparation method for the analysis of ultra-high molecular weight polystyrenes based on the use of DCTB and caesium salts has been presented. The suitability of the presented method has been validated by using different mass spectrometers and detectors.
A solvent-free homogenization/transfer matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) method is described for the preparation and precise transfer of up to 100 samples simultaneously on a single MALDI plate. This method is demonstrated using a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) mixture consisting of different molecular weights (500-6000) and end groups (PEO, dimethoxy-PEO, monomethoxy monomethacrylate-PEO, and dimethacrylate-PEO) that was fractionated using liquid adsorption chromatography at critical conditions. Off-line fractionation is performed prior to the on-target homogenization/transfer solvent-free sample preparation and MALDI mass analysis. The miniaturization of the solvent-free MALDI approach allowed analysis of less than 2 g per PEO component per fraction corresponding to ~200 pmol for PEO 6000. The amounts of polymer sample used for LC separation and the quality of the MS results are equivalent to the "dry spray" method; however, three times more fractions were collected and analyzed with the newly developed hyphenated approach. The off-line method eliminates optimization of, for example, spray conditions or spreading of organic solvents on the MALDI plate that occurs with droplet deposition methods. The widespread applications of MALDI make this solvent-free, multisample method particularly important as it expands the capabilities for obtaining mass measurements with great efficiencies in areas with increased sample numbers. In addition, the solvent-free method is well suited for automated MALDI analysis as it virtually eliminates the "dead-spot" phenomenon.
The analytical utility of a new and simple to use ionization method, matrix-assisted ionization (MAI), coupled with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and mass spectrometry (MS) is used to characterize a 2-armed europium(III)-containing poly(ethylene glycol) (Eu-PEG) complex directly from a crude sample. MAI was used with the matrix 1,2-dicyanobenzene, which affords low chemical background relative to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI). MAI provides high ion abundance of desired products in comparison to ESI and MALDI. Inductively coupled plasma-MS measurements were used to estimate a maximum of 10% of the crude sample by mass was the 2-arm Eu-PEG complex, supporting evidence of selective ionization of Eu-PEG complexes using the new MAI matrix, 1,2-dicyanobenzene. Multiply charged ions formed in MAI enhance the IMS gas-phase separation, especially relative to the singly charged ions observed with MALDI. Individual components are cleanly separated and readily identified, allowing characterization of the 2-arm Eu-PEG conjugate from a mixture of the 1-arm Eu-PEG complex and unreacted starting materials. Size-exclusion chromatography, liquid chromatography at critical conditions, MALDI-MS, ESI-MS, and ESI-IMS-MS had difficulties with this analysis, or failed.