Mechanistic studies on cationization in MALDI-MS employing a split sample plate set-up
Abstract
In the analysis of polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), a commonly observed ionization pathway is cation adduct formation, as polymers often lack easily ionizable (basic/acidic) functional groups. The mechanism of this process has been hypothesized to involve gas-phase cation attachment. In previous experiments, a split sample plate set up has been introduced, enabling separate deposition of the components on individual MALDI plates. The plates are divided by a small gap of a few micrometers, allowing simultaneous laser irradiation from both plates, while precluding the possibility of any other interactions prior to ablation. Here, we extend on these studies by using different polymer-salt combinations to test the generalizability of a gas phase ionization process. Clear evidence for in-plume ionization is presented for the model polymers poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene. Furthermore, the contribution of in-plume processes to the overall ion formation by cationization is considered, providing a first estimate for the importance of this pathway. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000366326Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Journal of the American Society for Mass SpectrometryVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
American Society for Mass SpectrometryOrganisational unit
03430 - Zenobi, Renato / Zenobi, Renato
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Is supplemented by: https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000326850
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