Native MS and IM-MS Analyses of Large Proteins and Protein Complexes

Recent advancements in commercial instrumentation have allowed for more routine analysis of large biomolecules (>100 kDa) with extended mass range modes on Orbitrap and Q-TOF mass spectrometers. These improvements in both the hardware and software have also been coupled with the maturation of static nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI) to improve sensitivity and minimize sample consumption. The combination of these improvements has enabled the analysis of large, native proteins and protein complexes with high mass-to-charge (approaching 30,000 m/z) values without significant losses in sensitivity or mass resolution. Herein, we will describe simple modifications to the Agilent electrospray source to accommodate static nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI). This modification in tandem with the improved instrumentation, allow for MS and IM-MS analyses of large protein complexes (>100 kDa) on both the Agilent 6545XT Q-TOF and Agilent 6560 IM-Q-TOF mass spectrometers.
 
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.