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Updated: May 6, 2026

An Efficient Sample Preparation Method to Enhance Carbohydrate Ion Signals in Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: July 29, 2018
Charge-state reduction with improved signal intensity of oligonucleotides in electrospray ionization mass
D C Muddiman1, X Cheng, H R Udseth
1Macromolecular Structure and Dynamics, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA.
Abstract:
The shift of charge states of oligonucleotide negative ions formed in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to higher mass-to-charge ratio has been accomplished by addition of organic acids and bases to the solution to be electrosprayed. The use of acetic acid or formic acid combined with piperidine and imidazole effectively reduced charge states. Signal intensity and stability were enhanced greatly when the infused solution contained a high percentage of acetonitrile. In addition, the cocktail that contained imidazole, piperidine, and acetic acid in 80% acetonitrile not only reduced charge states, but also substantially suppressed Na adduction. Several oligonucleotides that varied in base composition and length were investigated, and studies of mixtures showed a significant reduction in spectral complexity.
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