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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Analyzing Large Protein Complexes by Structural Mass Spectrometry

Analyzing Large Protein Complexes by Structural Mass Spectrometry

Published on: June 19, 2010

Current-controlled nanospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Alexei Gapeev¹, Alberto Berton, Daniele Fabris

¹Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry

|April 11, 2009

Summary

This study introduces a feedback apparatus for real-time electrospray current control, enhancing nanospray analysis stability and signal quality for challenging samples like high-salt nucleic acid solutions.

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Analyzing Large Protein Complexes by Structural Mass Spectrometry

Analyzing Large Protein Complexes by Structural Mass Spectrometry

Published on: June 19, 2010

Area of Science:

Analytical Chemistry
Mass Spectrometry
Instrumentation

Background:

Nanospray analysis is crucial for sensitive detection but often suffers from spray instability.
Traditional voltage-controlled methods struggle with complex samples, limiting analytical performance.
Maintaining stable electrospray conditions is key to reliable and reproducible results.

Purpose of the Study:

To test the hypothesis that direct electrospray current determination can maintain spray stability for optimal nanospray analysis.
To develop and evaluate a feedback apparatus for real-time current monitoring and voltage adjustment.
To improve signal intensity and signal-to-noise ratios in nanospray mass spectrometry.

Main Methods:

A feedback apparatus was constructed to read electrospray current via a sensing circuit.
A proportional-derivative-integral (PID) algorithm was employed to adjust emitter voltage in real time.
The apparatus maintained a preset current value, counteracting variations in spray parameters.

Main Results:

The feedback apparatus successfully established and maintained stable nanospray for challenging samples, including high-salt nucleic acid solutions.
Current-controlled mode yielded significantly more stable total ion counts compared to voltage-controlled mode.
Overall signal intensities and signal-to-noise ratios were substantially improved.

Conclusions:

Direct electrospray current control is a viable method for enhancing nanospray analysis stability.
The developed apparatus enables robust data acquisition from difficult sample matrices, such as 2.5 M ammonium acetate solutions.
Future work includes developing predictive algorithms for target current adjustment during gradient chromatography.