Open AccessA method for monitoring and controlling reproducibility of intensity data in complex electrospray mass spectra: A thermometer ion-based strategy
Author(s) -
Paolo Lecchi,
Jinghua Zhao,
Wesley S. Wiggins,
Tzong-Hao Chen,
Ping Yip,
Brian C. Mansfield,
John M. Peltier
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of the american society for mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.961
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1879-1123
pISSN - 1044-0305
DOI - 10.1016/j.jasms.2008.10.021
Subject(s) - reproducibility , chemistry , thermometer , analytical chemistry (journal) , ion , mass spectrometry , electrospray ionization , mass spectrum , electrospray , repeatability , chromatography , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
Reproducibility in mass spectral data is important in both biomarker discovery and spectral database searching. We report a strategy, employing a series of substituted benzylpyridinium thermometer ions that can be used to monitor changes in performance of multiple aspects of an electrospray ionization source that impact the intensity axis of a spectrum. Performance attributes, which could confound even isotope-based quantification strategies, are readily assessed using a mixture of thermometer ions. Based on the observed behavior of the ions, a procedure is proposed for monitoring instrument performance and compensating for factors that affect reproducibility across both time and instruments.