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Identification of carbohydrate anomers using ion mobility-mass spectrometry
J Hofmann1,2, H S Hahm3,4, P H Seeberger3,4
1Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
Nature
|September 30, 2015
Summary
Ion mobility-mass spectrometry can now distinguish between complex carbohydrate isomers, a significant advancement for carbohydrate analysis. This technique accurately identifies even minor isomers in small samples, revolutionizing the field.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Glycobiology
Background:
- Carbohydrates are vital biological polymers with complex structures, making their characterization challenging compared to peptides or oligonucleotides.
- Traditional methods like NMR spectroscopy require large sample amounts and struggle with isomer detection, while mass spectrometry cannot differentiate stereoisomers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the capability of ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) for unambiguous identification of carbohydrate linkage-isomers and stereoisomers.
- To establish IM-MS as a sensitive and rapid analytical tool for complex carbohydrates.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of six synthetic carbohydrate isomers using ion mobility-mass spectrometry.
- Separation of molecules based on mass, charge, size, and shape to distinguish isomers.
Main Results:
- Ion mobility-mass spectrometry successfully and unambiguously identified carbohydrate linkage-isomers and stereoisomers.
- The method detected coexisting isomers, with the capability to quantify minor isomers down to 0.1% concentration.
- Analysis was rapid, required no derivatization, and used minimal sample amounts.
Conclusions:
- Ion mobility-mass spectrometry is a powerful and effective tool for the comprehensive analysis of complex carbohydrates.
- This technique holds potential to significantly impact carbohydrate synthesis, analogous to HPLC's effect on peptide assembly.
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