Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates

The technique of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI) is described and examples are given of its use for the examination of glycoproteins, glycopeptides, glycolipids and oligosaccharides. Abundant [M+H]+ ions are produced by the glycoproteins and glycopeptides, whereas glycolipids and oligosaccharides give mainly [M+Na]+ ions. Resolution on time-of-flight (TOF) instruments is poor but improved resolution can be obtained by use of ion cyclotron resonance or magnetic sector instruments. Although the technique gives mainly [M+Na]+ ions from neutral, underivatised oligosaccharides, with little fragmentation when implemented on TOF systems, the use of a reflectron enables fragment ions produced by post-source decay to be obtained. Acidic sugars give less satisfactory positive ion spectra with TOF analysers, but generally produce abundant negative ions. Extensive fragmentation is observed with these compounds when the spectra are recorded with magnetic sector instruments. Neutral glycolipids produce strong spectra from several matrices but acidic glycolipids show extensive fragmentation as the result of sialic acid loss.