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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Analyzing Large Protein Complexes by Structural Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 20, 2010
Sensitivity considerations for large molecule detection by capillary electrophoresis-electrospray ionization mass
R D Smith1, J A Loo, C G Edmonds
1Chemical Sciences Department, Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Richland, WA 99352.
Abstract:
The use of the electrospray ionization (ESI) method for interfacing capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry (CE-MS) is particularly well suited for the analysis of large molecules due to the multiple charging phenomenon. While ionization efficiency is very high, the available ion current is dispersed over more peaks so that the maximum peak intensity obtainable declines significantly for large molecules. Sensitivity with ESI can be improved by operation at very low flow-rates, an ideal situation for CE-MS. These and other considerations related to sensitivity are illustrated using ESI-MS measurements for cytochrome c.
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