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Updated: May 27, 2026

Sample Preparation for Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: February 19, 2020
Charge state and adduct reduction in electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry using solvent vapor exposure
Jonathan T S Hopper1, Kleitos Sokratous, Neil J Oldham
1School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG72RD, UK.
Abstract:
The benefits of lowering protein ion charge states in electrospray ionization (ESI) have attracted recent interest. We describe a simple approach to decrease protein charge states by exposure of electrospray droplets to neutral solvent vapor such as acetonitrile. The technique allows detection of weak noncovalent complexes, provides preferred charge states for tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) dissociation of protein complexes, and has the added benefit of reducing common adducts, such as alkali metals, without the addition of solution additives or the requirement for a secondary spray.
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