High-Throughput N-Glycan Analysis by IR-MALDESI With a 1.5-kHz Pulsed Mid-IR Laser

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) is a hybrid ionization source for mass spectrometry.
• It enables both mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and high-throughput screening (HTS).

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the performance of an integrated 2.2-ns, 2.72-μm laser operating at 1.5 kHz within the IR-MALDESI platform.
• Assess its capabilities for robust HTS and detailed glycan profiling.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a low-power, mid-infrared laser (2.72 μm, 1.5 kHz repetition rate) into the IR-MALDESI system.
• Evaluation of HTS performance using multiwell screening experiments.
• Analysis of cleaved N-glycans from bovine fetuin for glycan profiling.

Main Results:

• Achieved robust HTS performance with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 9.1%.
• Demonstrated no detectable carryover between wells and consistent ion abundances.
• Detected 29 glycans from bovine fetuin N-glycans, including multiple charge states for several species.

Conclusions:

• The kHz repetition rate, low-power mid-IR laser enhances IR-MALDESI for rapid, high-throughput analysis.
• Expanded glycan detection capabilities were achieved, showing potential for advanced biochemical screening.
• The system demonstrates suitability for both HTS and detailed glycan characterization.