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Unprecedented Ionization Processes in Mass Spectrometry Provide Missing Link between ESI and MALDI
Author(s) -
Trimpin Sarah,
Lee Chuping,
Weidner Steffen M.,
ElBaba Tarick J.,
Lutomski Corinne A.,
Inutan Ellen D.,
Foley Casey D.,
Ni ChiKung,
McEwen Charles N.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.201701246
Subject(s) - reflectron , mass spectrometry , ionization , chemistry , ambient ionization , matrix assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization , ion , ion source , atmospheric pressure laser ionization , desorption electrospray ionization , electrospray ionization , maldi imaging , analytical chemistry (journal) , thermal ionization mass spectrometry , matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization , time of flight mass spectrometry , chemical ionization , photoionization , desorption , chromatography , organic chemistry , adsorption
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 biomedical 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 a third 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 desorption/ionization.