Devices and methods for characterizing proteins and peptides
AssigneeThe University of British Columbia
InventorsRudolf H. Aebersold, Lawrence N. Amankwa
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Abstract
The present invention provides analytical devices for the characterization of the primary structure of proteins and peptides, comprising a microenzyme reactor, a separation device, an interface between the microenzyme reactor and the separation device, a mass spectrometer, and an interface between the separation device and the mass spectrometer. Also provided are methods for characterizing a protein or peptide utilizing such devices.
Claims42
A device for the characterization of proteins and peptides comprising an enzyme reactor, a separation device, a mass spectrometer and a first interface and a second interface, said first interface between the enzyme reactor and the separation device and said second interface between the separation device and the mass spectrometer.
A method for characterizing a protein or peptide, comprising the steps of:
- (a) contacting a protein or peptide sample with an enzyme reactor to provide enzyme products;
- (b) transferring said enzyme products to a separation device through an interface between the enzyme reactor and the separation device;
- (c) resolving said enzyme products into individual components by said separation device,
- (d) transferring said individual components into a mass spectrometer through an interface between the separation device and the mass spectrometer;
- and
- (e) analyzing said individual components by said mass spectrometer, thereby characterizing said protein or peptide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.