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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Time-resolved ElectroSpray Ionization Hydrogen-deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry for Studying Protein Structure and Dynamics
Published on: April 17, 2017
Hydrogen/deuterium exchange in mass spectrometry
Yury Kostyukevich1,2,3, Thamina Acter4, Alexander Zherebker1,2
1Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Russian Federation.
Isotopic exchange, particularly Hydrogen/Deuterium exchange, is crucial for analyzing molecular structures. New methods enable this exchange directly within mass spectrometry ionization sources, simplifying analysis and revealing more structural details.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Isotopic exchange reactions, first observed in 1933, are vital for studying reaction pathways, molecular structure, composition, and conformation.
- Mass spectrometry is a key tool for monitoring isotopic exchange reactions, essential for protein dynamics, quantitative measurements, and analyzing complex mixtures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms and applications of in-ionization source Hydrogen/Deuterium exchange in mass spectrometry for molecular structural elucidation.
- To highlight the adaptation of H/D exchange reactions into mass spectrometric methods for analyzing diverse samples.
Main Methods:
- Development of an approach for on-line Hydrogen/Deuterium exchange directly within the ionization source under atmospheric pressure.
- Utilizing in-Electrospray Ionization (ESI), in-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI), and in-Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization (APPI) sources for H/D exchange.
Main Results:
- In-ionization source H/D exchange simplifies sample preparation and accelerates reactions, enabling the exchange of non-labile hydrogens.
- Successful application of this method for investigating petroleum, natural organic matter, oligosaccharides, and proteins, including protein-protein complexes.
Conclusions:
- In-ionization source H/D exchange is a powerful technique for structural elucidation in modern mass spectrometry.
- This approach offers a simplified and accelerated method for H/D exchange, expanding its utility in analyzing complex biological and chemical systems.
Related Concept Videos
Mass Spectrometry: Overview
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrometry of Amines
Mass Spectrometry: Isotope Effect
Chemical Ionization (CI) Mass Spectrometry
Mass Spectrometry: Alkene Fragmentation

