Protein analysis by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Proteomics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Ambient ionization mass spectrometry enables direct analysis of biomolecules.
• Desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) is a key ambient ionization technique.
• Protein analysis presents unique challenges due to molecular complexity and size.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review progress in ambient protein analysis using DESI-MS.
• To compare DESI-MS with other ambient ionization techniques for protein analysis.
• To highlight applications and future potential of DESI-MS in proteomics.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on DESI-MS and related ambient ionization techniques.
• Discussion of various protein sample types analyzed (undigested, native, digests).
• Examination of applications including mass spectrometry imaging and posttranslational modification identification.

Main Results:

• DESI-MS has been applied to diverse protein analyses, including intact proteins and enzymatic transformations.
• Other techniques like LESA and nano-DESI currently offer superior in situ surface sampling for intact proteins.
• DESI-MS demonstrates valuable contributions to protein analysis despite current limitations in sensitivity and spatial resolution.

Conclusions:

• DESI-MS is a valuable tool for protein analysis, with ongoing developments addressing its limitations.
• Further improvements in sensitivity, spatial resolution, and mass range are expected.
• DESI-MS holds significant potential for advancing proteomics research and applications.