Compositions and processes for improved mass spectrometry analysis
AssigneeAgena Bioscience, Inc.
InventorThomas Becker
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Abstract
The invention provides a novel additive for improved analysis by mass spectrometry. More specifically, ascorbic acid has been found to reduce or eliminate the presence of adducts commonly present in mass spectra. The improved processes and compositions of the invention allow for increased accuracy, sensitivity and throughput for samples analyzed by mass spectrometry.
Claims44
A Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization mass spectrometry substrate, comprising a support that includes an array of spots, some or all of which spots comprise:
- (i) a matrix material for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization mass spectrometry of nucleic acids, wherein the matrix material is selected from among 3-hydroxypicolinic acid, di-ammoniumcitrate or a mixture of 3-hydroxypicolinic acid and di-ammoniumcitrate and;
- (ii) an additive that comprises ascorbic acid, or a salt, tautomer or analog thereof, in an amount that reduces the amount of an adduct formed under Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization mass spectrometry conditions, wherein the analog of ascorbic acid is according to the following formula:
- wherein:
- R1 and R2 independently are OH, halogen, R3, OR3, azido, cyano, CH2R3, CHR3R4, SR3, NR3R4;
- and
- R3 and R4 independently are H, alkyl, acetylene or cyano, or an optionally substituted aryl carbocyclic ring, aryl heterocyclic ring, non-aryl carbocyclic ring or non-aryl heterocyclic ring.
A mass spectrometry system, comprising a mass spectrometer for performing Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry and a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization mass spectrometry substrate, which substrate comprises a support that includes an array of spots, some or all of which spots comprise:
- (i) a matrix material for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization mass spectrometry of nucleic acids, wherein the matrix material is selected from among 3-hydroxypicolinic acid, di-ammoniumcitrate or a mixture of 3-hydroxypicolinic acid and di-ammoniumcitrate;
- and
- (ii) an additive that comprises ascorbic acid, or a salt, tautomer or analog thereof, in an amount that reduces the amount of an adduct formed under Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization mass spectrometry conditions, wherein the analog of ascorbic acid is according to the following formula:
- wherein:
- R1 and R2 independently are OH, halogen, R3, OR3, azido, cyano, CH2R3, CHR3R4, SR3, NR3R4;
- and
- R3 and R4 independently are H, alkyl, acetylene or cyano, or an optionally substituted aryl carbocyclic ring, aryl heterocyclic ring, non-aryl carbocyclic ring or non-aryl heterocyclic ring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.