What Is the Principle of Determining Amino Acids by Mass Spectrometry
The principle of amino acid determination by mass spectrometry is based on measuring the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of intact amino acid molecules or their fragments. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
1. Ionization
The amino acid sample is first ionized to facilitate detection by mass spectrometry. Common ionization techniques include Electrospray Ionization (ESI) and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI).
2. Mass Analysis
The resulting ions are introduced into the mass analyzer of the spectrometer, where they are separated based on their mass-to-charge (m/z) values. Different types of analyzers, such as quadrupoles, time-of-flight (TOF) systems, and ion traps, employ distinct separation principles.
3. Detection
The separated ions are subsequently detected, and the spectrometer records both their m/z values and signal intensities, which correspond to their relative abundances. These data are presented as a series of peaks in a mass spectrum.
4. Data Analysis
Each peak in the mass spectrum represents an ion with a specific m/z value. The peak height or area indicates the ion’s relative abundance. By comparing the acquired spectra with reference standards or using spectral databases, the identity and concentration of amino acids can be determined.
In summary, mass spectrometry identifies amino acids by exploiting the differences in how ionized amino acid species behave in electromagnetic fields, allowing for their separation and detection according to their mass-to-charge ratios.
MtoZ Biolabs, an integrated chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS) services provider.
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